We had the good fortune of connecting with Ray Villafane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ray, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
The magic inherently available to them by pursuing authentic and meaningful paths that are in alignment with themselves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love playing with natural and upcycled ingredients. From sticks and stones to rusted hardware and more. Nothing is more satisfying than pouring my attention into creating whimsical and magical things. I left a career as a commercial sculptor for such companies as Marvel and Warner Bros. to pursue a more authentic expression of myself. At the time this meant becoming a professional pumpkin carver. Creating a niche like this from scratch was not easy. A tremendous amount of self belief and focus was required. Being brave enough to move outside of the known and overcome the resistance largely amounted to finding purpose and joy in the process. It is important to me to demonstrate that having the “right” materials and circumstances does not matter. What does matter is the amount of present awareness, love, enthusiasm and optimism that you flow towards your materials and circumstances.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Of course I would want to show them my workshop at Vulture City Ghost Town. As far as other sites to see I would definitely include Fossil Creek for the amazing year round crystal clear water. Crown King because of the tiny mountain town atmosphere and rugged outdoors. West Clear Creek and perhaps some lunch at Wingfield in Camp Verde.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to my wife Tammi who has supported and encouraged me to pursue my art through thick and thin. By far my biggest cheerleader.

Website: Villafanestudios.com

Instagram: villafanestudios

Facebook: Villafanestudios

Youtube: Villafanestudios

Image Credits
Ray Villafane

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