Benny Carter (NC, 1943-2014), "Slick Willie's" Taxi and American Flag

1998, hand-painted and assembled construction about "Slick Willie" and his taxi cab company in New York City, the top portion depicting an American flag on ribbed tin with inscription about Slick Willie; the lower portion made with repurposed plastic construction caution sign in the form of Slick Willie's taxi cab, inscribed "To Bill Jones" on lower left portion and signed by the artist to lower right, the verso dated "Christmas 1998."

HOA 20 x 14 in.

Private Collection of American Folk Art, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Purchased from Ledbetter Folk Art Auctions in 2022.

Benny Carter grew up in Madison, NC. Benny began painting in 1991 after he was laid off from his job at Halstead Metal Products in Pine Hall, NC. His works ranged from finely detailed miniatures to large yard-art pieces, often incorporating found objects in his art. A favorite theme was the New York City skyline and waterfront, biblical subjects, and farm scenes.

Benny and his art have been featured in several books, including Self Taught, Outsider, and Folk Art by Betty-Carol Sellen with Cynthia J. Johanson and Light of the Spirit: Portraits of Southern Outsider Artists” by Karekin Goekjian and Robert Peacock. His works have been sold in many galleries and featured in exhibitions and collections nationwide.

Both tin and plastic elements with wear from previous outdoor display before being repurposed into artwork; otherwise good estate condition.