Casey Jones 

Charles Frederick Surendorf’s ‘Casey Jones’ is a striking image, skillfully carved on a block of wood. The stark contrast between black and white, achieved through the traditional technique of woodcut, gives the print a dramatic, almost theatrical quality. Surendorf likely used gouges and knives to remove areas of the woodblock, leaving raised lines and surfaces to catch the ink and transfer the image to paper. The labor-intensive process lends a unique texture and depth to the print, evident in the intricate details of the figures’ faces, their clothing, and the locomotive behind them. This isn't just a picture; it’s a record of the artist’s focused effort, transforming a humble material into a potent image. The subject matter, a working-class hero, connects to the labor involved in the production of the image itself. By valuing this kind of craft, we can resist traditional hierarchies between fine art and more vernacular forms of expression.