Product Details

The Storyteller shows love transcending age and linking one generation to the next. The Storyteller forges the vision of tomorrow with his stories and moral lessons of the past.

WASHINGTON, DC -- The President and Mrs. Clinton are hosting His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, and Mrs. Mbeki at a White House State Dinner on Monday, May 22, 2000. p.m.
MRS. CLINTONS GIFT TO MRS. MBEKI: The official gift for Mrs. Mbeki from Mrs. Clinton is a sculpture entitled The Storyteller, designed by world class illustrator Thomas Blackshear. "The Storyteller" forges his vision of tomorrow with stories and moral lessons from the past. Mr. Blackshear's "Ebony Visions" collection of limited edition figurines emphasizes the beauty of the human form and symbolizes the universal aspirations and ideals of humankind depicted through images that reflect the unique characteristics of African American culture. This highly sought-after, signed sculpture is 8.5 inches by 16.5 inches, and will be presented with a signed edition of Mr. Blackshears book, Sketchbook.
The Storyteller retired June 1996 with a final production quantity of 2,500.

Artist Bio

"I always knew I wanted to create Ebony Visions'. As an artist who happens to be black, I had distinct ideas about what I would like to see in the line." The elegant compeling figurines he created for the collection are a blen of both Art Nouveau and African culture, which Thomas calls "Afro-Nouveau." - Thomas Blackshear .Thomas Blackshear introduced Ebony Visions in April 1995 with the release of the first six Ebony Visions designs, The Storyteller, The Protector, The Nurturer, Siblings, Madonna and Tender Touch. Since then, Thomas Blackshear has created many new designs to add to the Ebony Visions collection. Thomas Blackshear's Ebony Visions collection is a master work of romantic symbolism. As with his paintings, these sculptures demonstrate Thomas Blackshear's incredible sense of design, unique eclectic style, and extraordinary mastery of color. Elegant drapery and delicate detail tantalize the eye while revealing each sculpted form. Thomas Blackshear's Ebony Visions depicts a full range of emotions that are both powerful and at the same time subtle. He deliberately portrays his Ebony Visions figures in a timeless setting in order to transcend a specific time, place, or culture. This unique collection of limited edition figurines emphasizes the beauty of the human form and symbolizes universal aspirations and ideals of humankind depicted through images that reflect the unique characteristics of the African American culture. For centuries classical beauty has been portrayed predominantly by white artisans who represent white subjects in their art. In this romantic and subtle tour de force, Thomas Blackshear creates a new vision of beauty and human emotion, an Ebony Vision.