New Northern Alliance Promo Image

The Northern Alliance scenario paintball team has released a new promotional image that will be part of their upcoming "calendar-for-kids" charity project. The calendar will feature eye candy from around the world, and if you manage to see past the lovely lady in the image below, you'll notice the "Odin vs Thor" hammer!

For more information about the calendar, reach out to the Northern Alliance on their Facebook page, or email them at northernalliancepb@gmail.com

The "Odin vs Thor" hammer was an idea I had a few years ago when I was really into using the Medieval Viking Mjolnir (Thor's Hammer) symbol decorated with human faces and/or human figures that were twisted into knots. Inspiration for the human figures came mostly from Medieval Celtic books such as the Book of Darrow and the Book of Kells.

I was always intrigued by the human characters in these books because their bodies and facial features were always overly simplified, and almost cartoonish looking. However, the knots that the hair or limbs were twisted into were very complicated. To me, the simplicity of the human figures created a very unique and ancient look. Also, the faces always had a very blank look on them; devoid of emotion. I found this to add an eerie element to the Celtic artwork. It was almost like it was from another world. In a way, it really was.

Anyhow, I was really into combining the Mjolnir symbol with the eerie looking human figures to create a single image that would contain a lot of history and meaning behind it. This was one of the designs I came up with:

"Odin vs Thor" Hammer

As mentioned before, the faces and limbs are basic, and not very detailed. However, the symmetry and detail of the knotwork creates an overall image that is both simple, and complicated at the same time. The Mjolnir symbol itself combined with Odin (Identified by his eye patch. Odin sacrificed his one eye to attain wisdom) and Thor (identified by his iconic hammer) makes for a single image that is full of history and meaning.

"Why are they fighting", you might ask? Basically, I found that it was a good way to have them facing each other in a symmetrical way. I also feel that it brings action to an otherwise still image.

You can check out more Viking/Thor's Hammer/Mjolnir artwork here.

And, as always, we have clothing featuring the "Odin vs Thor" hammer in the shop!

NEW! Celtic Cross Graphic Tee Design

The next installment into the "graphic tee series" is this new "Celtic Cross" design. 

The Celtic Hammer Club Celtic Cross design combines the traditional image of the High Cross with some additional ornamentation to create a very cool, modern-looking, and stylish design that is perfect for apparel. As always, this is original artwork, and is only available at celtichammerclub.com

Now Available in the Celtic Hammer Club Store

The Celtic Cross or High Cross is one of the most recognized symbols of Celtic Culture. In Ireland, it is a popular legend that the Celtic Christian cross was introduced by Saint Patrick or possibly Saint Declan during his time converting the pagan Irish, though there are no examples from this early period. It has often been claimed that Patrick combined the symbol of Christianity with the sun cross, to give pagan followers an idea of the importance of the cross by linking it with the idea of the life-giving properties of the sun.

"Brothers" Graphic Tee Design

Now available in the shop!

"Brothers" Graphic Tee

I'm really excited to release this design. This marks the beginning of a new line that I am in the process of developing. I've had the idea for a while to create some shirts that could fit in with the graphic tees that are so popular now-a-days. I love rocking shirts with Celtic/Norse inspired artwork on it, but most of the apparel I've seen have big, bright screen printed designs. That's all fine and good, but maybe I want something more subtle. Something a little more classy. That's what inspired this design. It's fashionable. It could appeal to anyone. It's modern, but still has a traditional Celtic flair to it.

The "Brothers" theme is meant to reflect the important and especially strong bond between brothers. The writing on the shirt is meant to describe the meaning of the "Brothers" Celtic design that accompanies it.

Brothers.
Intertwined as they are in life;
Each watches the others back;
True and loyal companions;
They are

Brothers.

 I've been working hard on other designs. More to come!

-CHC-

Celtic Hammer Club Store