Great-Seal-State-CA-California-Minerva-ships-miner

Shown is the full image of the Great Seal of the State of California sandblasted on a 40" piece of Starphire (low iron clear) glass with polished edge.  The etching has been done in reverse from the backside of the glass.  The image depicts Minerva, the Roman Goddess, holding a shield and spear, a miner, bear, wheat sheaths, sailing ships and steam ship, background mountains, 31 stars, Eureka motto, lettering, and a knotted border.

A vinyl mask was cut and peeled layer after layer starting with the areas that have the deepest carving until it finished with a flat frosting and then shading.  A 220 grit aluminum oxide was used, which gives it a smoother, yet rough surface in the etching.

The seal was commissioned for an appellate court located in Santa Ana, CA.  It will be mounted using four standoffs to hold it away from the wall.