Well Hello! Welcome to my blog. It is St. Patrick’s Day today here in Canada. I hope like myself you’ll be staying home tonight and enjoying a much deserved beer. With green food colouring of course! I knew covid was going to interrupt this holiday again this year so instead of being bummed out and focusing on how much things have changed in the past twelve months I decided to create a shamrock themed pattern for the occasion.
I’m sure I’m not alone in wondering why we pinch each other if we don’t wear green today, or why we add green food colouring to beer. Actually I’m almost certain that bit is a marketing scheme to sell more beer.
So to flesh out this blog, and to distract myself from thinking about the pandemic more than I already do… here’s some facts I dug up!
Why We Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Originating in Ireland in 461 AD the celebration of St. Patrick’s day was originally a feast celebrating St. Patricks Life. Whom is credited for converting Ireland to the christian faith, and is most known for using the Shamrock or clover to represent trinity.
It wasn’t until Irish immigrants in the North Americas wanted to celebrate their heritage and culture that the celebration we are familiar with began to develop.
The tradition of wearing green seems to have originated in the 1700’s during the Irish Rebellions. It was a way of showing you were sympathetic to their cause. Kind of dark when you think of it. Greens such a lively colour. Today it’s a celebration of their national flower the shamrock.
I randomly came across this little did bit. The City of Chicago dyed the Chicago river green in 1962, and continue to do so today. I have no idea what kind of environmental impact that would have but they do it.
So It would seem making everything green is for the benefit of tourists and consumerism. It’s interesting to think about. Here’s some of my sources if you want to do some reading of your own.
Shamrock Themed Pattern
Now the bit about my work! Clover symbolizes faith, hope, and love. If you find a four-leaf clover the fourth leaf adds luck.
The Shamrock themed pattern, really put my patience to the test. Did I overwhelm myself. Absolutely. Was it worth it. Sure. Do I love it. Yes.
When I first thought about making this pattern I didn’t expect to make over 100 different clovers. I thought a few clusters around the flowers and lucky pennies and it would be good to go. I was wrong.
Flowering clover is some of my favourite wild flowers. It grows everywhere back home on my parents farm. Even here on the west coast I’ve seen patches of it. Its bee friendly, and an environmentally responsible alternative to the front lawn but that’s a conversation for a different time. The pattern looked naked with a handful of clover. Every time I would test the pattern I’d add more. Until I got what you see here.
Some of you might be wondering why there’s pennies. Well The Canadian government decided to stop making them. Finding one is a rare occurrence now. I felt it was fitting.
Before I wrap this up, I just want to thank you for stopping by and listening to me ramble for a few minutes. It means a great deal.
Now that Lucky Shamrock is up in my portfolio it’s also on select products in my society6.
If you would like more information on licensing this pattern. Email me, I’ll send you the catalogue and answer any questions you might have.
Stay Creative,
Justin Erickson
