Although I am Australian by birth, my ancestry is entirely European, and I have always felt a profound connection to my Scottish heritage. My great-grandfather, David Normand, was born in Scotland, and grew up in Perthshire. Following his service in the Black Watch, he emigrated to Australia. The Normand family name has long been associated with the MacLeod Clan of Harris.

There is considerable artistic talent on both sides of my family. Recognizing my childhood interest in drawing, my family encouraged me to continue. Visual arts played a significant role in my education – fine arts, woodwork, and metalwork. It was a means of expression and communication, as well as an invaluable escape during the challenges of adolescence and self-discovery. After high school, my family, aware of my fondness for my Scottish heritage, gifted me a Celtic-style ring, igniting my interest in exploring the Celtic art style.

It wasn’t until 2014, when I completed my artwork S’Leatsa mo chridhe gu bràth (My Heart Belongs to You Forever) – a Celtic-styled acrylic painting on canvas depicting a couple embracing, with the man holding her heart in his hand – that I was profoundly impressed by my own work and the personal growth it represented. I resolved to create a collection of Celtic Art and – given that Celtic Art is not commonly recognized in Australia – I aimed to elevate awareness of this traditional and cultural form.

When I first started creating Celtic art, my knowledge was limited to a few simple knot designs. Utilizing the gifted ring, I began to develop these designs independently. Initially, I relied on freehand drawing to create original designs. In 1998, I was presented with ‘The Celtic Art Source Book’ by Courtney Davis, which remains a valuable reference. The artwork provided new inspiration for my explorations in Celtic art. Elements, evident from my years studying courses such as design fundamentals and Interior decoration, have influenced and aided in the cultivation of my own unique style. I’ve moved from geometric experimentation, to curves and flow, reflective of my studies in art deco and art nouveau. No longer do my works consist of only knotwork but now include all aspects reflective of Celtic art. 

In my practice, I apply sincerity, originality, and integrity. With consideration of both historical and future contexts, I offer a modern and contemporary response to older traditions and cultural beliefs, making Celtic art relevant to the present while respecting its artistic tradition. By exploring resources accessible to the Celts, I recreate the organic platform and add depth to encourage viewers to examine the dimensional illusions that characterize my work. The goal is for each piece to provide a cultural experience that is accessible to everyone.

@kr_celtic_artist
All works copyright Kris Ramsey 2025 and remain the sole property of the artist