Spark in the dark cdlc4/17/2023 ![]() I can say without exaggeration that Nate influenced a generation of builders, and even an old man or two like me. Nnenn’s consistent level of quality and production since his debut in late 2006 is nothing short of extraordinary. You know a builder is big-time when he not only gets an entire scale named after him, but an element as well. ![]() It was my distinct pleasure to interview nnenn last month, and in the process we exchanged some fun emails I only wish I’d asked better questions. In time I grew to respect him for his uncompromising stance and commitment to form over purist devotion. I’ve always been a fan of Nate’s models, even when I initially disliked him in a superficial way for his heretical tendencies with my sacred bricks. “Guess what Goldman?! I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription… is more cowbell”. In this fantasy he would walk up to my model on display and say something like: I always imagined I’d run into nnenn at a convention…that he’d slip out of the crowd on public-day looking like a dead ringer for Christopher Walken. We did however share a love of the brick, 70’s sci-fi and being a father. I didn’t know Nate very well, certainly not as well as I would have liked. In our small corner of the universe, I think it is safe to say: mission accomplished, Nate. It was Nate’s goal to encourage others and to push people to their creative potential. Nate’s other great passion was teaching the principles of design and graphic art, something that should seem obvious to our community. Nate was notorious for his brevity, and when I was searching through his models, interviews, and comments for inspiration, this quote jumped off the screen: Above all they want Nate to be remembered as a devoted husband and father, and for us to know that his interest in the brick was inseparable from his love for his boys. It is important to Nate’s family that he is remembered by our community, one that he took great joy in participating in. Nate is survived by his beloved wife and two sons ages 3 and 8. A resident of Tekoa, Washington, Nate was a father, an artist, and a professor specializing in graphic design. Nate’s death was the result of an automobile accident earlier this month. It is my unpleasant duty to report the passing of our friend and fellow builder Nate “ nnenn” Nielson. Today, the burden of responsibility falls on Keith’s shoulders to bring us tragic news… Over the last couple of months, Keith has brought us joy every Sunday with his interviews.
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