Sand Boat 1930

William Judson Dickerson made this print called 'Sand Boat' using etching techniques. I love how the image feels both solid and vaporous, like a memory clinging to the surface of the paper. The grays and blacks are built up in layers, giving a real sense of depth to the industrial scene by the river. I can almost feel the weight of the structure and imagine the artist carefully working each line to create a convincing scene. What was Dickerson thinking about when he made it? It reminds me of some of Charles Sheeler's work – a fascination with the industrial landscape, but softened by a kind of nostalgic, melancholic atmosphere. There's a real sense of solitude about it. A bit like Edward Hopper. I wonder if the artist ever knew either of them? It's a good reminder that artists are always in dialogue, echoing and transforming each other’s visions across time.