Ebony Visions by Thomas Blackshear — “I always knew I wanted to create Ebony Visions.” As an artist who happens to be black, Thomas had distinct ideas about what he would like to see in the line. The elegant, compelling figurines he created are a blend of both Art Nouveau and African culture—what he calls “Afro-Nouveau.”
Thomas Blackshear introduced Ebony Visions in April 1995 with the first six designs: The Storyteller, The Protector, The Nurturer, Siblings, Madonna, and Tender Touch. Since then, he has created many additions to the collection.
The Ebony Visions collection is a masterwork of romantic symbolism. Elegant drapery and delicate detail reveal each sculpted form, while a timeless setting transcends specific eras or places. These limited edition figurines emphasize the beauty of the human form and symbolize universal aspirations through imagery that reflects the unique characteristics of African American culture.
For centuries, classical beauty was portrayed predominantly by white artisans. In this subtle tour de force, Thomas Blackshear creates a new vision of beauty and human emotion—an Ebony Vision.