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Tom Cross, an artist, author and designer is known worldwide for his ability to blend techniques both old and new to create a light-hearted, yet thought-provoking glimpse into the aspects of nature that are so often overlooked – its lore, its myth, and its legends. His art is a journey on which one can, Cross says, "rediscover the magic of nature trapped just within our reach." Cross describes his artwork as nature folklore rather than fantasy or science fiction as he believes his work is more than just an illustration of a fantastic scene. With its roots in ecology and folklore, Cross says his work is wildlife or nature art that has gone "just a bit awry." Cross’ artwork is in a realm where science and art meet and mix. He combines ecological fact and fable with whimsical images and fuses traditional and nonconventional techniques to convey the visions, dreams and realities of a world environmentally right with itself. With a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Florida, Cross is uniquely qualified to employ his unusual and effective combination of creative and scientific expertise to accurately interpret and artistically communicate complex concepts in an easy to understand and visually entertaining fashion. A nationally recognized specialist in the study of coastal barrier island ecology, Cross has been honored with awards for his environmental activities as well as his art. He has served as a contributing author and artist for such organizations as the Cousteau Society, the National Estuary Program, the Nature Conservancy and the American Littoral Society. Cross has also served on the faculty of the Ringling School of Art and Design, teaching a variety of subjects from publication design to digital painting and drawing. In his artwork the public seems to have found a cause they can rally around. Cross’ limited edition prints are avidly collected by art lovers worldwide. His book, FAIRY GARDEN: Fairies of the Four Seasons has been distributed worldwide, including an exhibition and sale of art from the book in Japan. His images have appeared on products by such renowned companies as The Franklin Mint, Lean'n Tree Cards, FX Schmid Puzzles, as well as myriad other products including garden flags, wallpaper border tape and timepieces. He has even gathered a loyal following in cyberspace, having met with considerable success in the "Artists on America Online" featured artist forum and on the World Wide Web. Described as enchanting, endearing and whimsical, Cross’ art is a delightfully extended invitation to explore our environment and have fun with what might have been or can someday be. "Ecological integrity need not be drudgery," says Cross. " Living with the world around us and doing the right thing can be a good time!" He divides his time living in coastal Florida and upstate New York with his wife, Patti and their daughter, Amber.
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