Eschantos 28 1977

Clarence Holbrook Carter made this print, Eschantos 28, using soft colors and creating a landscape of what appears to be floating seeds or embryonic forms. I can imagine Carter carefully layering each color, allowing the image to emerge from a series of choices and intuitive gestures. The salmon pink sky and the maroon sun convey a sense of quietude. I wonder if Carter was trying to capture the feeling of uncertainty—of hovering on the cusp of something new? The floating shapes are like thoughts, not fully formed, suspended in the ether. I sympathize with the artist. I, too, find myself adrift at times, searching for clarity and meaning. I like the dialogue between the earth-bound and the ethereal. It’s as if Carter is inviting us to ponder the mysteries of life and creation. Carter reminds me of other artists, such as Odilon Redon, who explored surreal and dreamlike imagery. Ultimately, “Eschantos 28” demonstrates how artists converse across time and space.