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Coils and Shells – The Story

July 30, 2020 by Clara Nartey 14 Comments

Hey Creative Friend,

I created a new piece  of work – “Coils and Shells”, that I haven’t shared with you yet. Yes, I’ve shared some photos of it on social media already. So, if you follow me there, you’ve probably seen them. However, when we’re here in this space, I always want to do something special for you.  I want to tell you the story, show you the detail shots and give you a closer look at this piece.

“Coils and Shells”, Detail – The Story Behind the Work

“Coils and Shells” is part of my “Black Crowns” series.  It is a celebration of the complex, intricate, and beautiful Afro textured hair. It reminds me of who we are us humans living here on this planet. We’re strong, yet fragile. Here’s a little story about this particular piece in the series and why I created it. Enjoy the photos as you read.

Coils and Shells, |fiber art by Clara Nartey | Textile Art | Mixed Media |#Freemotionquilting #fmq #artquilt #textileart
“Coils, and Shells”, 40″ x 30″, Ink, Cotton, Polyester, © Clara Nartey 2020

There’s something unique about Afro hair. It redefines the standards of feminine beauty. Instead of growing long and downwards, it grows up. It has a strong personality of it’s own. Not only does it defy beauty standards, it defies gravity. Yet it is one of the most fragile of all hair types. Believe it or not, black hair is often damaged quite easily.

Coils and Shells, |fiber art by Clara Nartey | Textile Art | Mixed Media |#Freemotionquilting #fmq #artquilt #textileart
“Coils, and Shells” (detail), 40″ x 30″, Ink, Cotton, Polyester, © Clara Nartey 2020

I didn’t know much nor did I understand my black hair very well until I started this Black Crowns series. I’m learning every day.

Coils and Shells, |fiber art by Clara Nartey | Textile Art | Mixed Media |#Freemotionquilting #fmq #artquilt #textileart
Coils, and Shells” (detail), 40″ x 30″, Ink, Cotton, Polyester, © Clara Nartey 2020

Black hair is intricate

It’s a form of art. As a creative person, you my dear friend, more than anyone else, will totally understand this. Black hair styles are intricately created as a form of expression. A form of creative outlet that feeds the soul. It’s a way of expressing your creativity, your culture, and your heritage with something you can’t run away from, something you’re stuck with every day. Something that’s growing out of your head every second of every day of your life.

Coils and Shells, |fiber art by Clara Nartey | Textile Art | Mixed Media |#Freemotionquilting #fmq #artquilt #textileart
“Coils, and Shells” (detail), 40″ x 30″, Ink, Cotton, Polyester, © Clara Nartey 2020

In certain ways, it’s very intriguing to see your hair as a blank canvas, ready to carry forth your unique vision, to display your perspective of the creative forces within you. But surprisingly, for many Black people, doing this comes second nature to them. They don’t particularly see it as being creative. They don’t think about it. They just do it. They intricately style their hair as a way of life. It’s just the way it’s done. 🙂

Coils and Shells, |fiber art by Clara Nartey | Textile Art | Mixed Media |#Freemotionquilting #fmq #artquilt #textileart
“Coils, and Shells” (detail), 40″ x 30″, Ink, Cotton, Polyester, © Clara Nartey 2020

Black hair is complex

It has many distinct textures. Based on it’s porosity, curl pattern, and other characteristics, one hair type will look totally different than the other.  In much the same way, caring for black hair can also be complex. It’s fragile, and can easily be damaged. It’s worn in certain styles not just for fashion but specifically for the purpose of treating it with the care it needs so that it can be protected. 

Coils and Shells, |fiber art by Clara Nartey | Textile Art | Mixed Media |#Freemotionquilting #fmq #artquilt #textileart
“Coils, and Shells” (detail), 40″ x 30″, Ink, Cotton, Polyester, © Clara Nartey 2020

Black Hair is Beautiful

Finally, in this piece- “Coils and Shells”, I celebrate the beauty of the Afro hair. Whether it’s intricately styled, or worn simply plain, whether it’s one texture type or another, it doesn’t matter. Black hair is beautiful, just the way it is.

Coils and Shells, |fiber art by Clara Nartey | Textile Art | Mixed Media |#Freemotionquilting #fmq #artquilt #textileart
“Coils, and Shells” (detail), 40″ x 30″, Ink, Cotton, Polyester, © Clara Nartey 2020

All hair types, taken together, create a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and depths, and they’re all beautiful, no matter the race. Look how unique and beautiful each of us here on planet earth is, irrespective of who we are.

Coils and Shells, |fiber art by Clara Nartey | Textile Art | Mixed Media |#Freemotionquilting #fmq #artquilt #textileart
Clara with “Coils and Shells” and “Chance Meeting”

You are Beautiful

When you look at “Coils and Shells”, I hope it encourages you to embrace your authentic self – the true you- the intricate, complex, beautiful, you. No matter the color of your skin, your hair type, your body shape, you’re beautiful, just the way you are.

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Also published on Medium.

Comments

  1. Kim Bates says

    July 30, 2020 at 10:18 am

    Just breathtaking! The vibrant colors, the stitching and that amazing hair!

    Reply
    • Clara Nartey says

      July 30, 2020 at 10:53 am

      Thanks, Kim.

      Reply
  2. Therese Stein says

    July 30, 2020 at 11:48 am

    What a boring world it would be if everyone was the same. White, Protestant and rich would be most peoples preferences, certainly in U.S. Sad. Thank you for celebrating your uniqueness in such a beautiful way.

    Reply
    • Clara Nartey says

      July 30, 2020 at 7:35 pm

      You’re absolutely right. Our differences make us such an interesting bunch of people.

      Reply
  3. Suzanne says

    July 30, 2020 at 12:59 pm

    I LOVE the story behind this beautiful piece ❤️

    Reply
    • Clara Nartey says

      July 30, 2020 at 7:35 pm

      Thanks, Suzanne.

      Reply
  4. Beth Berman says

    July 30, 2020 at 4:06 pm

    Wonderful post Clara!!

    Reply
    • Clara Nartey says

      July 30, 2020 at 7:36 pm

      Thanks Beth.

      Reply
  5. Alexandra Panagopoulou says

    July 30, 2020 at 5:16 pm

    Thanks for the wonderful post Clara! I love your portraits!

    Reply
    • Clara Nartey says

      July 30, 2020 at 7:37 pm

      Thanks Alexandra. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.

      Reply
  6. Sally Rogers says

    July 30, 2020 at 9:18 pm

    So, did you paint the gorgeous image and then quilt it or is it pieced/appliqued? It is really lovely and a wonderful tribute to the beauty of African hair and hairstyles. Thanks for this lovely series.

    Reply
    • Clara Nartey says

      July 31, 2020 at 8:23 pm

      Yes Sally, I painted it on a digital device. I’m combining two different art forms – digital art and thread art. 🙂

      Reply
  7. kathy bagioni says

    July 31, 2020 at 7:57 am

    Representing different black hairstyles was such fun for me on my Celebrating Women in the Arts:Amy Sheppard portrait. Looking at your blue thread work on Coils and Shells I wish I had been bolder with my stitching.
    You are a constant source of inspiration.
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Clara Nartey says

      July 31, 2020 at 8:21 pm

      Kathy, I can imagine how much fun you had doing your piece – Celebrating Women in the Arts: Amy Sheppard. Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate them. I didn’t know how the blue threads on black will turn out, but I did it anyway. Later, I was happy I did. 🙂

      Reply

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