|
|
Artist Thomas Blackshear II, the son of an air force captain, was born in Waco, Texas, and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. "Drawing was all I ever liked to do," says Blackshear. "While all the other guys were playing baseball or basketball, I was in my house, drawing." Thomas Blackshear pursued an interest in art throughout high school, securing scholarship to the Institute of Art in Chicago. After a year there, he transferred to the nearby Academy of Art on another scholarship. While finishing his college education, he was recruited by Hallmark Cards. Later, Mr. Blackshear became the apprentice of illustrator Mark English.
After the disappointment of working on an uncompleted book project in Los Angeles, Blackshear settled in Kansas City and became the head illustrator for the prestigious Godbold/Richter Studio. A year later, he began a prosperous freelance career, illustrating two U.S. Postal Service stamp collections for Black Heritage and classic movies and several series of Hamilton Group collector's plates featuring scenes from Star Wars, Star Trek, and The Wizard of Oz, in addition to many advertisements. Although Blackshear was successful, he was unsatisfied and decided to pursue a career in fine art. |
|
In Thomas Blackshear's Ebony Visions, Thomas Blackshear set about to create a collection of figurines "that would portray the beauty, elegance and dignity of African Americans". It is Blackshear's dream that all Americans expand their lives spiritually, as he felt his own life has expanded by his exposure to culture and art. It has been this exposure that has broadened Thomas's goals, aspirations and self awareness. He believes all people would experience this fulfillment if they focused not on material possessions, but on the spiritual wealth that is anchored in relationships.
The collection began as a vision coupled with tremendous talent and faith, which became the essential ingredients Thomas Blackshear combined when he joined with Willitts Designs to introduce Thomas Blackshear's Ebony Visions in 1995. Thomas's multi-dimensional portraits of black Americans was born, filled with timeless moments celebrating the richness of relationships and the power of faith.
Thomas Blackshear's Ebony Visions collection is a master work of romantic symbolism. As with his paintings, these sculptures demonstrate Blackshear's incredible sense of design, unique eclectic style and extraordinary mastery of color.
Blackshear's "Ebony Visions" depicts a full range of emotions that are both powerful and at the same time subtle. He deliberately portrays his figures in a timeless setting in order to transcend a specific time, place or culture. This unique collection of limited edition figurines emphasize the beauty of the human form and symbolize universal aspirations and ideals of human kind depicted through images that reflect the unique characteristics of the African American culture.
Blackshear's unique style, influenced by both Art Nouveau and African culture, is appropriately termed Afro Nouveau. |
|
|
