Computational Celtic Canvas for Zoomorphs and Knotworks

Abstract

This paper presents Celtic Canvas -- a framework towards computationally generating patterns similar to simple Celtic artwork. As Celtic patterns are highly structured, a robust model of curvature dynamics is introduced in the paper to allow the evolution of space curves as a foundation for line drawing and structural anatomy. Cellular automata integrates several features including -- lines and forms, allocation of space, a solution of crossing states, the occlusion processing, depth cues, and line weighing. Lattice gas automata assist in generating varying width patterns. Original digitally available artwork provides shapes and forms as line-art. Our novel contribution is that we are successful in generating examples of knotwork and zoomorphs (animal designs shapes) that mimic the characteristics of the Celtic art forms. Future research areas are also identified.