Spring Plowing 1974

Richard Correll made this print, Spring Plowing, using black ink on paper. Looking at it, I imagine Correll carving into the wood, carefully removing slivers to create these strong contrasts of light and dark. I sympathize with the artist, imagining him working at this, perhaps in his garden or a field. Maybe he was thinking about his connection to the land, the rhythm of the seasons, and all of that good stuff. The heavy black ink feels so tactile, like rich soil turned over by the plow. I'm drawn to the way the furrows curve and stretch, creating a sense of depth and movement. You can almost feel the tractor chugging along. It reminds me of the work of other American regionalists, like Grant Wood, who found beauty in the everyday landscapes of rural life. Artists are always talking to each other across time, you know? This piece is a reminder of the power of simple materials and techniques to capture the feeling of a place and a way of life. It's a conversation! A dance!