The creation of the Thomas Blackshear Legends Edition
sculptures involve a complicated unique
process. The basic metal figure is cast in a semi precious metal
alloy with a bronze vermeil. The Legends Edition coloration's are hand
electro-plated in a variety of metals, each color requiring it's
own hand mask to protect all exposed metal surfaces that are not
to be colored.
Some of the color used for Blackshear's Legends Edition is created by hand applying patina that is brushed
and fired, layer after layer, to create subtle color variations.
An aging process is applied to some colors to create antique
finishes and bring out sculpted detail. The metal figure is then
embedded into the clear acrylic by using a template to position
it accurately inside a hand made mold.
Casting must be done in a special reverse air "clean chamber" to
prevent any imperfections. The material is cured in vulcanizing
chambers using extreme air pressure which generate high
temperatures. Once cooled, the final acrylic casting is sanded
in four different gradations until it is smooth. It is then hand
polished in an additional four gradations of polishing processes
very similar to how a diamond is sanded and polished.
