Gas Buoeys [sic] 1933

Philip Cheney’s lithograph pictures a scene of industrial labor with a focus on tonal variation and structured form. I wonder what it was like for the artist to imagine and then create this scene, setting up his composition to make it real for us viewers, so that we can see the scene. I can imagine him observing this industrial scene, taking in the interplay of light and shadow, figuring out how to best convey the gritty reality of maritime labor. I can almost feel the weight of those gas buoys and the somber mood of the harbor. I bet that it was a cold day when he did this work. Cheney’s sharp lines and detailed rendering remind me of other American artists who explored industrial and urban themes, and I think about the ongoing dialogue between artists across time. Art making has always been like an ongoing conversation between artists. Each adding their own voice and perspective to the narrative, inspiring new forms of expression and understanding.