Tom Cross (1954-2008) was known for his illustrations that “rediscover the magic of nature trapped just within our reach.” Though his works delve into the realms of science fiction and fantasy, Cross considered his work to be based more in nature and folklore. Cross received his Bachelor of Science in zoology from the University of Florida and, along with being an artist, was a respected specialist in the study of coastal barrier island ecology. His love of nature shines through his work, and he was a contributing artist and author for the Cousteau Society, the National Estuary Program, and the American Littoral Society. Cross was also a faculty member at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, where he taught publication design, digital painting, and drawing.

Cross’s pieces are unique in the way that they combine the traditional media of pencil and paper with computer imaging, though Cross never relied on the computer as a crutch. Cross had said, “The best information processor we have is our eye/hand coordination. With or without the computer, I would still use whatever tools it takes to achieve my vision; I would use a lawnmower if it would give me the look I wanted!”