Herb Lane's work was found in a North Hollywood thrift shop in 1979 and collected by L.A. art collective World Imitation. Comprised of over thirty pieces ranging from small ceramic bowls and strange vases to a haunting bas relief portrait series executed in painted ceramic and plaster, this extraordinary collection demands wider recognition, beyond the thrift shop doors into the global gallery of the Internet.
Despite an extensive search, the identity and fate of the artist remain a mystery. Speculation is still allowed to us: we hope, but do not know if he survives. We assume that Lane was a local self-taught amateur, and indulge in fantasies about the artist snatching time to express his visions after a long workday at the bank counter or the assembly line. We can only hope that some pieces did hang, as so designed (some portraits feature embedded ribbon hangers), on the walls of friends or family. A woman donated them to the store--that is the only known detail; landlady, sister, neighbor, wife or widow, we will never know, but Herb Lane may well have joined the august community of posthumously popular artists.
As if in defiance of his anonymity, Lane's personality shouts out from every piece, most of which, no matter how small (including 2" ceramic bowls), sport the distinctive autograph (or initials) in proud intaglio. Some are dated, ranging from the late 1950s through 1970.
Undoubtedly the evocative pinnacle of his oeuvre, Lane's portrait series encompasses national types ("The Frenchman," "The Native American," "The Scotsman," "The Asian Princess,") and professions ("The Bakers"), and explores mysterious archetypes ("The Old Ladies"). His characteristic vigor informs every work, from the simple small plates to the lively "Arguers" to the intriguing "Old Ladies" and the disturbing "Clown Triptych."
Almost twenty years after Lane's discovery, Gran Mondo is proud to present the Herb Lane Gallery of the Herb Lane Museum. Crude and delicate at once, his extraordinary portraits possess a brio rarely found in academically schooled artists.
In progress:
The Old Man
Painted plaster, 4"
The Old Man has several impressions, yet somehow lacks the authority of The Old Lady. His bulbous features are bland, embodying an Everyman who is no one. Some have cigarette holes and/or tobacco fragments.
The Patriarch
Painted fired ceramic, 5"
Perhaps the counterpart of the Old Lady, the Patriarch recalls Blake's demigods with his stern gaze and sunflower-like aureole of snowy hair spiking into beard.
The Scotsman
Painted ceramic, 5"
His plaid hat revealing his nationality, the Scotsman's eyes seem to twinkle as he regards the viewer with a half-smile that is of questionable mirth.
The Baker Twins
Painted plaster, 4", 5"
From their white hats to their jolly, jowly faces and bright red ties, the Baker twins exude bonhomie. But would you eat their goods?
Afterword
As one of the original collectors of The Herb Lane Collection, I can still feel the frisson of excitement that rushed through me as I saw them on the thrift store shelf. I knew at that first glance--this was an artist to contend with. Nearly two decades later, Lane's unsettling vision continues to fascinate.
Laurie O'Connell
Curator