Turner Falls 1941

R. Wendell Tomberlin made this print of Turner Falls using linoleum, a humble material more often associated with flooring than fine art. This relief print was created by carving into a sheet of linoleum, removing the areas that would remain white. What’s left of the block would have been inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll see how the artist has used the stark contrast between black and white to depict the dynamic energy of the waterfall and surrounding landscape. The choice of linoleum is significant. It's an inexpensive, easily accessible material, aligning this work with democratic ideals. Printmaking itself has a rich history as a medium for disseminating information and art to a wider audience, breaking down traditional barriers of access. Tomberlin’s embrace of this everyday material elevates it, blurring the lines between high art and craft, while making a powerful statement about accessibility and the democratization of art. Recognizing the material and its making allows us to fully appreciate this print’s impact.