LOS ANGELES — In 1982, Clarence Holbrook Carter explained, “Beyond reality I felt there must be another realm to explore.” The statement reflects Carter’s approach to art. Though the artist, who died in 2000 at 96, began his career as an American Scene painter, his fascination with life’s mysteries underpinned his entire oeuvre.
The number of artists in this world and their creations are almost infinite, but a source of endless joy when you begin fishing in this vast ocean. A small percentage of artworks become the Guccis and Ferraris, the popular fish. If you can’t catch a Gucci or Ferrari, it’s not a problem though. There are many more fish in the sea, and in fact, they are often more interesting and beautiful. It’s the keen-eyed gallerists, hopefully including us, who are rounding up these more elusive works, researching them and making markets for new prizes that engage collectors.