Three Able Seamen by Bernard P. Schardt

This print’s obviously ironic title asks us to notice what flows into the void of unemployment—all the moments of time the remain to be filled. Three men stare into the near distance, fiddle with their fingers, or even empty a pebble from a shoe. This last gesture my reference a maritime tradition of throwing old boots into the wake of a departing ship so as to ensure safe passage back home. But in this stark monochrome linoprint, it’s not clear where home is for these men.