LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 45 Nate: My introduction to ink paint- ing originated with a well loved illustrated Tao de Ching. From this introduction to traditional Sumi (ink) landscape art, I developed a deep appreciation for Asian Sumi ink paintings (think misty mountain landscapes in black and grey on rice paper). I have always enjoyed the balance of looseness, simplicity, and precision that Sumi demands. I also very much relate to the meditative practice involved in its creation by masters past and present. Later I came upon the art and mystery of Everet Ruess. His ide- alism and wilderness lifestyle res- onated with me. So did his simple block prints of western landscape. I see my Ink work as a hybrid combination of these mediums. It's packable for wilderness adven- ture and allows for heavy editing, trial, and error. I am able to paint, then etch and repaint if desired. My interest in screen printing and graphic work was born from my board sports lifestyle. 80s skateboard graphics, then snow- board graphics (Jamie Lynn, Mike Parillo) and later surf art (Andy Davis, Heather Brown) have all in- fluenced me throughout the years. A pivotal chance moment was meeting Shepard Fairey of Obey fame while 16 and skateboarding in NYC. He casually enlisted friends and I to aid in his first street art campaign via providing overstuffed garbage bags of "OBEY" (Andre) stickers to plaster Syracuse and be- yond. I have followed his career and art since. The idea of providing art in number for many to enjoy rather than just one is what I love most about screen printing. It makes art accessible to all and easily adapted. My brother-in-law and super talent- ed artist Eric Ackerson really taught me the process and continues to coach, and he develops my screens. I couldn't have done it without him. The above process kind of co- alesced into one thing after lots of exploring during a return to College for art school. I received a BA of art with a painting and graphic design focus at SUNY Plattsburgh. LOCALadk: We've seen some killer graphics from you on Parlor Skis. What's that all about? Nate: As I was nearing graduation in art and design school at SUNY Plattsburgh, I began putting my portfolio out to select companies in the outdoor industry that I would be interested in working with. Par- lor at that time had just posted on social media that they were hiring graphic designers for remote free- lance work. I applied, interviewed, Above: Combining design and manual ar t for ski, snowboard, and skateboard graphics is a nod to Nate's early roo ts. Below, clock wise from top le f t : This year 's Mountain - fes t design for The Mountaineer. A T- shir t /S ticker design made with Adobe Pho toshop L ogo design for My thic, made with Adobe Illus trator L ogo design for Adirondack Field

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