The Green Man is a motif found in many cultures around the world. The representation of a face surrounded by or made of leaves; it is interpreted primarily as a symbol of rebirth, representing the cycle of growth each spring. Perhaps a fertility God, the beneficent spirit of vegetation or a tree spirit, the Green Man motif was still being built into European churches even after 1000 years of Christianity. Here the artist has depicted the Green Man as the centre of the life cycle of the Oak tree. Oak was a sacred tree for the Celts, thought to have special powers and to serve as the abode of the fairies. In reality the oak tree supports more insect, bird and animal life than any other. The Dagda, the powerful God of Celtic tradition, is likened to the oak, never failing to give hospitality to all who asked for it.
This jigsaw was designed by Rachel Arbuckle. Dublin born artist Rachel Arbuckle has always been fascinated by our Celtic heritage. Inspiration found in the intricate knotwork adorning the ancient manuscripts, stone and metalwork, coupled with Rachel's love of a good story, have combined to produce some of the most popular images in contemporary Irish Celtic art. Mythological warriors rub shoulders with ancient historical figures and intertwine with animals, birds and fish rendered in the artist's unique style. Her colours, although modern, emulate the softness of the natural pigments used by the Celts and a discerning eye will recognise shades of both Tuscany, where Rachel currently lives, and the Beara Peninsula, where she thrives on the rugged West Coast of Ireland.
Rachel graduated from Dublin's National College of Art and Design in 1990. In 1991 her first designs were launched onto the Irish market. Today her work is available worldwide, bringing a taste of Ireland to the four corners of the earth.
This gift is from TailTen Games, based outside the beautiful West Cork town of Clonakilty.
