Great Seal of the State of California - Etched Glass Art

An appellate court in Santa Ana, CA was looking to have the Great Seal of the State of California made with etched glass, which would replace a seal that they didn't like.  After discussing the work they wanted, I supplied a sample etching of my work and a section of the figure area.


Sample etched glass - Great Seal of CA

They received it and wanted to move forward with the full seal.  A 3/8" thick Starphire glass was requested at 40" diameter.  Starphire is a low iron glass that results with a high clarity and color transmission.  The sample was made with regular float glass, which you will notice has a green tint when looking along the edge.

Once I had images of the Great Seal, I was able to draw it out and make a vector image.  The vector is used for a plotter which cuts out a vinyl mask.  Since the image will be carved from the backside, the image is done in reverse.  I transfer it to the glass and then hand cut areas that need extra attention.  Hand cutting is an option for the entire mask, but invariably increases the cost.



Vinyl mask on glass - map drawing for etching

The mask is laid out on the glass and a map drawing is printed out and placed along side the glass.  The map helps with numbering and the order that the vinyl will be peeled away.  The first areas up are the deepest sandblasting.

The etched glass goes from the deepest etching and is peeled layer by layer.  A flat frost and the shading areas are sandblasted mostly at the last stages.




Sandblasting Great Seal of California - deep carving



Etched glass sandblasted - section detail with Minerva

Having 3/8" thick glass it is generally safe to carve up to half the thickness.  However, the deeper you go has to be adjusted in the direction of the spray.  You also have to bear in mind the details and relationships between lines, etc. in how the depths will carry into each other.




 

Detail image of etched glass upper section

Finishing up the sandblasting the rest of the vinyl mask is peeled away.  The glass is cleaned and checked over.  Some detailed pictures are taken.  Photographing glass is always tricky, especially with larger artworks.

The seal depicts several defining images and symbols: 

The Roman goddess, Minerva, hold a shield and spear.  A bear is at her feet.





Detail image of etched glass lower section

The motto "Eureka" and the text of the Great Seal of the State of California wraps around the border.  31 stars are carved over Minerva's head representing when California was admitted into statehood.

Sailing and a steam ship float across the waterways with mountains in the background.

A miner digs for gold and the landscape around him has rocks, wheat sheaths, and other terrain.





Great Seal of CA - etched art glass for courthouse décor

 

If interested in a custom feature, please contact me at imaginedglass@hotmail.com to discuss a state seal or other etched art glass for your courthouse or government building.

Introduction to Imagined Glass - Etched Design Accents

Imagined Glass - Decorative Etched Art Glass

A quick snapshot about me. My name is Brian.  I'm married and have two wonderful children.  I have been working as a glass artist for the past fifteen plus years.  Before now it has mostly been working for others.  Well, I do still work for another company, Radiant Arts, Inc., as a stained glass artist - designing, painting on glass, fabricating, and installing church, business and mausoleum windows.

I've begun a new adventure in my career, and I have no idea where it will take me.  It just needs to blossom further.  So far it has been a simple and relaxed idea, and I have found great support by others that enjoy my glass skills.  I appreciate everyone that has shared my pieces, commented, and even had me make something special for them.  I hope it continues to grow in that direction.

Anyway, this blog is meant to display some of my art glass and to share various influences that come from other artists, places, objects or whatever muse decides to draw my attention.  I want to also have it help develop my business, as well as, connect with others in what makes the difference between the warmth in craftsmanship behind a piece compared to the colder attraction of buying something off any shelf in any town.

I may not have a constant stream of posts, but I hope you enjoy what comes.  I encourage you to interact with me through comments and email questions.  I sincerely appreciate all the "likes", +1s, sharing and connecting to me and my glass work.


Best Regards,

Brian Laughlin
Imagined Glass

~ Other sites of interest my work is featured on or for sale: Website, DeviantArt, Facebook, LinkedIn