Original Artwork
Nate Crosser is an artist and printmaker in Kansas City characterized by his technique of composable design for modular printmaking. He carves small printing blocks for minimalist monoprints or combines multiple printing blocks to create larger compositions. A modular effect can be achieved through harmonious composition of blocks in a single artwork or on a gallery wall. Nate is inspired by wabi-sabi and Bauhaus design principles and believes that hand-made art should be affordable and fun. At least 10% of all his proceeds are pledged to animal welfare and conservation charities.
Art is a joyful act of expression and experimentation. Like poetry, art is a way to convey and purge emotion, and like prose, it is a way to explore worlds or perspectives. I am teaching myself the basics of painting and illustration, reveling in a process that is equal parts a quest for childlike wonder, wisdom, mastery, and mind-body connection.
Spirit Forest 002. Ink and marker on canvas. The forest as a subject matter lends itself well to the “composable block print” style—both evolve in a form of chaotic serendipity. If the forest will never be perfect or complete, why should a piece of art? I also like the lack of a visual focal point, which seems more in line with my experience in the woods.
Biscuit Factory 001, January 2024, Pen on Paper, 4x6”.
zenpond no. 1
It is Springtime in My Soul, Ink Block Print on Paper, 4x6”. There is a special haunting beauty to cherry blossoms due to their impermanence.
The Spirit Forest. Composable block print. June 2024
The Forest of Future Memory. April ‘24. Composable mixed media print with gyotaku, linocut, and marker. This was inspired by the Warawara in Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron. In the film, the Warawara are cute humanoid white blobs that represent souls waiting to be born on Earth
Web 1.0, January 2024, Ink Block Print on Paper, 8x10”. Web 1.0 draws parallels between humans, nature, and computers - and the webs between them.
Composition Experiment IGZ-003
To Each
Nighttime in the Garden
My Business Card, Ink Block Print on Paper, February 2024, 3.5x2”. I make all my business cards by hand and enjoy handing them out, which feels more meaningful.
Poppy Fever, March 2024, Ink Block Print and Brush Pen on Paper, 6x6”. The beauty of a flower can feel so big
Heaven is a Never-Ending Dinner for Two. Composable block print with marker on paper. April '24.
Balancing, December 2023, Brush Pen on Paper, 4x6”. Like a tree, we are pulled between the Earth and the Sun, and all that represents.
Unknown
You've Got Fish!
Self portrait December 2023
Reef (with Marissa Crosser)
By the Riverside 002. Composable block print and marker on paper. April '24.
Barrel Rider
Ark of COG, March 2023, Pen on Paper, 8x10”. Ark of COG depicts a “solarpunk” ship hosting a monastery of futuristic altruists, and was drawn to accompany a short story of the same name.
Hammerhead Tiger, March 2024, 4x4”. This is the first of a planned series of “hammerhead” animals.
The Alchemy of Zen Master Arioko von Zappata, October 2023, Pen on Canvas, 5x7”.
Eye of the Tiger Lily, February 2024, Ink Block Print on Paper, 4x4”. This is one of several linocuts featuring flowers, which I will combined in various “floral arrangements” inspired by the art of ikebana.
a pastoral scene
