The Tree of Life is a fundamental concept in many of the world’s mythologies, religious and philosophical traditions. It is an important design element in knitting, best known as a motif in the Irish knitting traditions. Jude Skeers explores the Tree of Life theme using Medallion knitting which has been central to his art practice, having solved the mathematics over 40 years ago, he has proceeded
to master the technique. The designs in Tree of Life use travelling stitch, cabling, multi-coloured cabling, blackberry stitch and brioche stitch. Muted colours have been chosen to accentuate the subtlety in the designs. The white-on-white works use shadows define the tree motif. Best known in Celtic traditions, the Tree of Life is found in many of the world’s mythologies and religions. Jude Skeers explores the Tree of Life theme using Medallion knitting, producing flat knitted circular fabrics. Medallion knitting has been central to his art practice using travelling stitch, cabling, multi-coloured cabling, blackberry stitch and brioche stitch rendered in white on white allowing the delicate shadows to define the motif. The popularity of the Tree of Life symbol will, Jude believes attract a wide audience. He aims to draw the audience into each piece — to experience the subtleties of each.
