Ray Noakes

Mixed media artist

Ray Noakes is a multimedia artist who has a broad range of skills, gained from his work as a freelance artist and from degrees in Fine Art and Scenic Art. Ray has been involved in many projects in film, theatre, street art and educational teaching. He revels in collaborating and always enjoys the excitement of making new projects come to life. Ray has contributed to Forum events as a sculptor, carving monsters out of a giant pumpkin and running dinosaur sculpting workshops. 

What is your making passion and what is it about your making skill that makes you enjoy it so much?

I love to make lots of things, but I especially like 3D objects and figuring out how to work on all the angles. It gives me space to always push myself and to keep improving.

What does it mean to you personally and the way you live your life?

Working freelance and making things means a lot to me. It lets me have that time to sit and work in my own way. It can be hard to juggle sometimes, but this always makes it a fun way of life and rewarding in the long run.

What has been your greatest making achievement?

Creating my business in Prehistoric Living Workshops has been pretty cool. It has given me the chance to learn and research new skills and pass on facts.

What is your favourite piece of equipment and why?

I really like a knife. It can be used for so many things in all disciplines.

What is your favourite making website or blog, and why?

YouTube and Instagram are pretty darn good for getting inspiration but remember to make mistakes yourself and not watch too much of other people with all the answers.

Why do you like being part of the Festival?

I like it because it lets both people ‘in the know’ about arts and crafts and complete newcomers meet each other. It’s all about making connections and sharing ideas.

What is your advice to a complete beginner who wants to have a go at your craft?

Learn how to draw. That is the basis of all arts and crafts and it really helps in all practices.