Tony Drehfal
Tony Drehfal studied painting and drawing at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. After graduating in 1979 he worked as a photographer for 35 years at Waukesha County Technical College.
Tony was taught wood engraving by Jim Horton in 2002, and joined the Wood Engravers’ Network (WEN). He has been an active member since, working for years as editor of WEN’s journal, Block & Burin, and is currently serving on the organization’s leadership board. In 2015 Tony retired early, to focus on becoming a full-time wood engraver and printmaker.
In 2018, Tony was elected as a member of the Society of Wood Engravers. He has been awarded the SWE Overseas Artist Prize in 2020 and 2026, and the Bewick Prize in 2025.
Tony uses wood engraving to portray the intricate detail of the natural world. He observes and portrays nature’s growth and decay, inspired by its simultaneous symmetrical and chaotic structures.
