Los Angeles, CA —Doyle Lane (1923-2002) was a pioneering African American ceramicist who left an indelible mark on mid-century Los Angeles art scene. His mastery of glazes and innovative techniques produced works that continue to captivate collectors and institutions alike, as evidenced by recent auction successes and institutional acquisitions. John Moran Auctioneers’ February 2024 Art + Design sale showcased Lane’s enduring appeal with two remarkable pieces:
This monumental work, featuring 157 glazed ceramic tiles mounted on plywood, sold for an impressive $41,275. Originally purchased by architect Edward H. Fickett, a frequent collaborator of Lane’s in the 1950s and 1960s, the piece has a rich provenance and exhibition history.
A diminutive yet powerful example of Lane’s iconic “Weed Pots,” this 1.625-inch tall ceramic piece commanded $29,700 at auction. Its thick, speckled blue glaze and incised signature exemplify Lane’s mastery of form and color. Lane’s eye-catching colors and gentle forms possess a life and order all their own.
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in 2015 acquired a monumental ceramic mural by Lane, demonstrating a growing institutional awareness of the need for diverse representation in academic collections. This 17 x 8 foot mural, commissioned by architect Welton Becket in 1964, showcases Lane’s signature red glaze and innovative tile-laying technique.
A ceramic “Weed Pot” circa 1962-1976 Price Realized: $29,700
““Though known and loved by the collectors and architects who commissioned him during his lifetime, Lane’s work, and the work of other African American ceramicists, has mostly been left out of the narrative of California post-war ceramics.” ”
Doyle Lane’s work spanned from delicate vases and ceramic sculptures to large-scale clay paintings and mosaics. Operating from his studio in the El Sereno district of East Los Angeles, Lane was one of the few African American artists in Los Angeles from the 1960s through 1980s who made a living solely through his artwork.
His glazes were applied in a thick layer to the tile and fired until the edges would burn and blacken, rendering a unique texture and color onto the tiles.
Lane’s unique approach to glazing involved applying thick layers and firing until the edges blackened, creating distinctive textures and colors. His “weed pots,” named for their tiny openings designed to showcase a single stem, became his signature pieces, demonstrating his experimental glazes and precise craftsmanship.
During his lifetime, Lane exhibited at prominent venues such as the Brockman Gallery and Ankrum Gallery, key centers for African American art in mid-20th century Los Angeles. Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in Lane’s work, with exhibitions at major institutions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
The recent auction successes and institutional acquisitions of Doyle Lane’s work reflect a growing recognition of his significant contributions to American ceramics and the importance of including diverse voices in the narrative of post-war California art. As institutions and collectors alike continue to celebrate Lane’s legacy, his place in the canon of 20th-century American art becomes increasingly secure.
