"Blackshear's elegant style is a blend of both Art Nouveau and African culture. Blackshear calls his style Afro-Nouveau. In his own words, ""Ebony Visions reflects no only my own visions as a black man, but also unique visions of black people. The designs reflect visions we all share, regardless of the color of our skin. Emotions like hope, love, tenderness, faith, and serenity know no boundaries. My work is meant to transcend all racial and cultural lines, because in essence, the physical and spiritual expression in my sculptures are all part of the human experience."" Since the introduction of Ebony Visions, Thomas has received numerous awards including the prestigious 1996 National Association of Limited Edition Dealers ""Rising Star Award."" As one Willitts retailers very adequately stated, ""Thomas's work is very successful because it is powerful and it emotes."""