Clara Nartey

Hey friend, here’s another piece in the Gem Series. Meet Rhoda. Rhoda is short for Rhodolite. I’m sharing a little bit of the story behind Roda and tons of close-up photos for you to enjoy. Here’s a quick introduction to Rhoda. Currently, it’s on view in the show “All Things Being“. If you haven’t seen the show, it’ll be coming to and end really soon. So, I strongly encourage you to make the time and go see it.

Rhoda | Rhodolite | Textile Art | Clara Nartey
Rhoda (Detail), Clara Nartey, 2022, Inks and Threads on Cotton, 40″x30″

Meet Rhodolite

Rhodolite is the name of a gemstone that’s sometimes referred to as Rhodolite Garnet. Yes, you’re right. It’s is a form of garnet. I explained a little bit about garnet and sapphire when sharing the piece “Sapphire” with you.

Rhoda | Rhodolite | Textile Art | Clara Nartey| Thread Painting | Free Motion Machine Embroidery
Rhoda (Detail), Clara Nartey, 2022, Inks and Threads on Cotton, 40″x30″

This gem is a form of garnet that is rose-red in color. Unlike garnet, Rhodolite has a more purplish color and its colors are lighter than traditional garnet.

Rhoda | Rhodolite | Textile Art | Clara Nartey| Thread Painting | Free Motion Machine Embroidery
Rhoda (Detail), Clara Nartey, 2022, Inks and Threads on Cotton, 40″x30″

Rhoda’s Origins

The name Rhodolite is derived from the Greek word “rhodon” which means rose. Obviously, the name references it’s beautiful reddish or rose-like colors. Its natural colors are used just the way they are in jewelry making. When you buy a piece of Rhodolite jewelry, you should expect that its colors have not been enhanced and that’s true for all garnet gemstones. Their natural colors are appreciated as-is.

Rhoda | Textile Art | Clara Nartey| Thread Painting | Free Motion Machine Embroidery
Rhoda (Detail), Clara Nartey, 2022, Inks and Threads on Cotton, 40″x30″

Rhoda is similar to Amethyst in that it has purplish tones and shades. However, Amethyst lacks the reddish tones of Rhodolite.

Rhoda | Textile Art | Clara Nartey| Thread Painting | Free Motion Machine Embroidery
Rhoda (Detail), Clara Nartey, 2022, Inks and Threads on Cotton, 40″x30″

So different, Yet so similar

Finally, as I bring you different pieces in this Gem Series, I hope you can see the essence of the story I’m telling with these portraits. Each portrait is so different, yet when you get to know them a little better you see that they’re all so similar. That’s us – humans.

Portrait | Stitched | Rhoda | Rhodolite | Textile Art | Clara Nartey| Thread Painting | Free Motion Machine Embroidery
Rhoda, Clara Nartey, 2022, Inks and Threads on Cotton 40″x30″

Warmest regards,

Clara's Signature