My name is Alexander MacCrea. I live and work in the countryside outside of Alfred, New York in Allegany County.
The art form in which I am involved is commonly known today as Celtic
Art. The word Celtic (which represents
present day Irish, Scots, Welsh, Cornish and Breton peoples) is derived from the
Greek word
"Keltoi" during their (the Celts) migration into Europe.
The Celts also refer to themselves as Gaels or
Britons.
I have named the site and my work Dealbhaich because it is the Gaelic word that comes
closest to describing the process by which I make my work. From the
rough stages of contemplating, sketching, and re-sketching, to the
hand carving and chipping way at a piece of wood to complete an elaborate
design. The word actually has many
meanings, including to conceive, imagine, create, design, compose, or to
elaborate.