Ray Troll


Ray Troll is an American artist based in Ketchikan, Alaska. He is best known for his scientifically accurate and often humorous artwork. His most well-known design is "Spawn Till You Die", which has appeared in many places including the film Superbad and being worn by actor Daniel Radcliffe.
Troll's renditions of everything from salmon to marine mammals to creatures only found in the fossil record have become iconic in fishing, scientific, and environmental activism communities around the world. He seeks inspiration from extensive field work in marine science, paleontology, geology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. His paintings and mixed-media drawings are in the collections of the Miami Museum of Science, the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Alaska Airlines, the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska State Museum, and the Ketchikan Museum.
He has collaborated once again with Kirk Johnson, a director with the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History. Entitled Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline: The Travels of an Artist and a Scientist along the Shores of the Prehistoric Pacific.
In 2002, the ratfish Hydrolagus trolli was named after him in recognition of his efforts to raise awareness of ratfish.

Awards

Troll is a lifelong music aficionado and musician. He and his band, the Ratfish Wranglers, play festival, saloon, and dance party dates from Alaska to California, appearing at Salmonfest in Ninilchik, Alaska, the Fisher Poets Gathering in Astoria, Oregon, and many other events around the Pacific Northwest.

Discography

  • Fish Worship
  • Cruisin' The Fossil Freeway
  • Where The Fins Meet The Frets
  • ''Dancing To The Fossil Record''