Ryan Akins

INTRODUCTION

My name is Ry Akins, I'm an artist and surfer based in South Wales UK.

It all started around the time I got into surfing when I was 13. I was living in a small village called Llangennith on the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. When the surf was too small I would take a disposable camera down the beach and take photos of tiny waves and then go get them developed so I could draw all over them. A few years later I started to do designs on surfboards at a local shaper and then in my mid 20's I lived in Australia and New Zealand where I carried on my passion for art and photography. And now in 2025 I am still creating and working on big scale works.

FORMAT & PROCESS

What draws you to the formats and processes you work with?

When I was younger I was only using disposable/Polaroid and 35mm cameras from car boot sales. Five years ago I bought a Sony A6000 and honestly I still don't know much about digital, I just play around with a few buttons, point and shoot and for some reason most of my shots come out right for what I need! I then get my images printed on paper so I can paste them onto canvas or wood panels to collage with paint.

CURRENT WORK

Can you tell us about what you're currently working on or a recent project you've developed?

Currently I'm working on a series of medium to large scale canvas which I'm hoping to show in the new year. My work is mixed media using prints from my photography and then using acrylics, spray paints, inks and oil sticks to create texture and depth.

CREATIVE VISION

How do you approach the relationship between your tools/equipment and your creative vision?

Most of the time when I leave the house I will bring my camera as you never know what you will see out there! I do have a big imagination and for example when I'm in the surf or even going for a cycle or walk I will see things and kind of orchestrate a little film clip in my head alongside music or take a photo and then when I'm working I transfer that into my work. When I post anything to do with my art on socials I find it very important to have music with my image as it gives a small insight into what I'm feeling.

INSPIRATION

Where do you find inspiration or what keeps you motivated to create?

My inspiration is my life, my experiences, the coastlines I've lived on, the waves I've surfed, the mountains I've climbed, day to day moments, nature and friendship. As any artist would know it is definitely an up and down journey creating, and I will always face them walls, but you just got to keep on going. This is something that has been part of me for a long time in all forms. If I don't create something for a while I do feel strange and out of wack, but now and again I have to walk away, go on a little trip and reset. I will never stop making this work. Life is art.

ADVICE

What advice would you give to someone just starting to explore the medium you use?

I would say don't have any boundaries, be original, don't force your work and let loose, put some music on and express.

FUTURE DREAMS

Where do you see your practice going? Any dreams or directions for the future?

I would say one of my biggest dreams is to have my own exhibition so that's what I'm currently working on at the moment. Apart from that I'm hoping to have some more collaborations maybe more in the surf and fashion industries. Overall my main dream is to do this more full time and I guess I'll never give up till it happens.

QUICK FIRE

Tea or coffee?

Coffee early most mornings then on the decaf and herbal teas in the afternoon.

Early bird or night owl?

Definitely an early bird, for some reason I wake 5:30 every morning even on a day off.

Analog or digital?

Analog is a love of mine and digital is a friend I'm getting to know more.

Music or silence while you work?

I love to work to music which actually inspires me and puts me in a state of mind to express whilst I create. I love all sorts of music from Jazz to country to ambient music. One of my favourite albums of all time to listen to whilst I work is Hotel Ambient by Moby.

Best place you've ever worked/created?

When I was living in New Zealand about 9 years ago I was staying with two well known artists who lived at the base of Mt Taranaki. It was a beautiful experience to wake up every morning to that mountain and start making art.

A NOTE FROM LENS PUNK

I came across Ry's work a few years back and immediately felt a connection. There's something about the way he blends photography with paint and texture that speaks to the lens punk spirit — handmade, experimental, and full of life.

When I visited the UK this year, I made a point to travel to Cornwall and visit Roma Surf Shop, where some of Ry's work is displayed. I was lucky enough to take home one of his lino prints. Holding that piece in my hands, you could feel the energy and craft that went into it.

Ry's current series deserves to be seen on gallery walls, and I have no doubt it will be soon. Keep an eye on this one.