The Creation Knot
The Creation Knot is the first in a series, illustrating 10 knots which make up the “Cosmic Knot” the subject of my MFA thesis project. The knot represents the creation of the Universe, the first Cosmic event. In science this event is often referred to as the “Big Bang”, identified by a single point in time where a super-compact and high energy “Cosmic Knot” exploded, creating the universe and expanding into infinity. This event is the merge point between science, it is the point where science can go no further. For me, it is also the logical point to recognize the hand of God, and to look at the questions that science cannot answer. Science has been very productive at telling us how things work, but it can never answer the questions of “why”. In this work I’ve used the principles of Sacred Geometry to portray this sacred act of creation. I’ll explain the geometry used, the symbolism, and theology behind this image.
“The Knot of Creation” is the first in a series of 10 images that are part of the “Cosmic Knot” project. A larger resolution version can be downloaded here. Limited edition prints will soon be available, if you are interested please contact me or send a private comment below.
The Knot
The Knot is the key element of the composition. The Knot represents the combination of chaos and order. A curved line without specific form is given shape and structure by attaching it to the Geometry of the Hexagram. With this natural construction in mind, the knot becomes a perfect symbol to represent the creation, where un-organized matter and chaos are given order and beauty through the hand of the creator.
The “Knot” with 6 fold symmetry is representative of the Biblical “6 days” of creation.
This connection can be visiualized in the simple construction of the Knot. The Knot is displayed within the hexagram which reveals its constructino and 6 fold symetry. The cosmic enegy which provided the initial spark which ignited the big bang is often referred to as the “cosmic knot”. The hexagram and the number 6 are often representative of creation. 6-fold symmetry is found in nature, and the reference to “6” days of creation is also prevalent in many cultures and religions.
Theology
The large hand represents the Arm of God, delicately placing the cosmic knot. He provides all the energy and knowledge to initiate the creation of a universe.
The two spirit figures represent the individuals and sons/daughters of god who contributed in the process of creation. These figures also represent the divine trinity, three personages working together in one purpose.
Patterns
The patterns and scribbling in the background represent chaos being converted into order. The pattern is based on a pattern from Islamic Art. The patterns were constructed by hand, and then scanned and colored in the computer.
The technique for creating the background patterns is described in Keith Critchlow’s book Islamic Patterns a great book that covers the technical approach to creating these patterns, as well as the “cosmological” significance that the patterns can bring to a work of art
Technique
The work is created entirely on the computer using Adobe Photoshop and a Wacom tablet. The scribble effect is created by “Scribbling” and builing up layer upon layer of texture and line.
This image is 100% scale. I tried to create the image at the highest resolution I thought my computer could handle. The image got to be a bit cumbersome to work with towards the end. The file is about 2GB in size. Another detailed view is available here.
The drawings are created at a very high resolution (300 dpi at full resolution). This allows the image to be worked on at different levels . It also provides interest to the subject, but combining chaotic elements and structure.
Grid
The Grid The composition is aligned to a square root phi grid. The grid defines the positions for the major compositional elements, which in this case are aligned to the occult centers and to the golden section. The same grid will be used on future images created.
The grid is based on the square root phi rectangle. The shape of the rectangle is unique in that it contains compositional elements and references which fall along the Golden Section. (Thanks Mark!)
That pattern is pretty cool. Could it be turned into a background pattern for a webpage?
I’m sure you could turn the pattern into a webpage background. The trick would be to simply locate the points where the patterns repeat (which is how I created the image). I’ve attached a rough drawing of the tile from which the pattern emerges. Starting with that tile, you could create a similar pattern.
nice explanation, i was looking for something meaningful to complete my back piece tattoo, i hope you dont mind if i use your knot. nice website by the way.
This art is amazing and inspiring and desireable!
How can I purchase this for a baptism gift for my son-in-law?