Kaluta's Celtic Calendars
Since we’re a day or so into what the Celts considered the new year and since this is Mike Kaluta’s seventy-fifth birthday year, it seemed fitting to look back on a Kaluta project from two decades ago: his ‘Celtic calendars’ for the Celtic League.
From what I understand, Alexei Kondratiev--Celtic scholar and founder of the Celtic League--commissioned art inspired by Celtic myth and legend from Mike in 2001. The Celtic League calendar, published late in 2001, was advertised in the Bud Plant catalog, which is where I bought my copy. Apparently, it was successful enough to warrant a follow-up and a 2003 calendar with new Kaluta art was issued in late 2002. That was the end of it, but kudos to Kondratiev for making it happen and many thanks to Mr. Kaluta for the great art.
Below, you'll find my personal favorites. I simply don't have time to post all twenty-four plates. All of the illustrations are drawn from Irish or Welsh myths and legends. Kondratiev chose the subjects and then communicated what he wanted to Mike. Kaluta then ran with it.
To me, the illustrations have a very 'classic' feel, echoing art from the Golden Age of Illustrated Books. They kind of feel like Arthur Rackham and Willy Pogany got together and went all Art Nouveau with their bad selves. However you slice it, these are very cool and unlike almost any other 'Celtic' illustrations that I've seen.
Enjoy and Happy New Year!
All of Mr. Kaluta’s Celtic calendar art can be found here.