Yes, Deviant Art is open to anyone. It does take some searching to find the jewels. Each member has a section called "Favorites" and I find that if I see an artist I like, their favorites will be pretty good too.
Another thing is, an artist might have some shining moments among the "dreck" as you call it.
Consider this page we are discussing, I don't love every single piece yet even in the pieces that are not my favorites, I can still recognize her skill. I also find the color relationships interesting in how she has kept parts of the images in B&W and graphic. There are some that stand out for me.
Waiting Place -
http://agnes-cecile.deviantart.com/a...lace-484156876
The Triumph of Things -
http://agnes-cecile.deviantart.com/a...ings-211509838
Through your own fault -
http://agnes-cecile.deviantart.com/a...ault-511362122
Love and Sacrifice -
http://agnes-cecile.deviantart.com/a...fice-439716955
Embrace -
http://agnes-cecile.deviantart.com/a...race-185330156
Her main Website:
http://www.agnescecile.cleanfolio.com/
Why not post some art you like, guys?