Coils and Shells – The Story

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” 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 🙂

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. 

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.

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.

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.