Eli Noyes, the renowned animator known for his groundbreaking work in stop-motion filmmaking, has passed away at the age of 81. Noyes, who was Oscar-nominated for his innovative use of clay and sand animation techniques, succumbed to complications from prostate cancer at his residence in San Francisco.
Noyes' career in animation began during his undergraduate years at Harvard University, where he gained recognition for his 1965 film 'Clay or the Origin of Species.' This 8-minute animated masterpiece not only earned him an Oscar nomination but also established clay stop animation as a distinct genre, influencing future creators like the minds behind 'Wallace and Gromit.'
Throughout his career, Noyes continued to push the boundaries of animation, utilizing sand animation for 'Sandman' in 1973 and pixelated stop motion for 'Peanut Butter and Jelly' in 1976. His contributions extended beyond the realm of film, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the visual landscape of children's programming on early cable TV, particularly Nickelodeon.
In collaboration with Kit Laybourne, Noyes co-founded Noyes & Laybourne Enterprises in 1983, a studio that produced iconic animation for Nickelodeon and MTV, including network graphics for 'Liquid Television.' His impact on the industry was further solidified through his work on shows like 'Eureeka's Castle' and 'Gullah Gullah Island.'
Outside of traditional animation, Noyes ventured into interactive media, creating innovative projects like 'Ruff's Bone,' a CD-ROM product that showcased his versatility in storytelling. His influence extended to the digital realm, where he collaborated with major players like Pixar and Disney Channel to develop interactive programming for children.
Later in his career, Noyes served as the creative director for Oxygen Media, contributing his expertise to the evolving landscape of media convergence. His legacy also includes the Oscar-nominated documentary 'The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers,' where he served as animation director.
Survived by his wife, children, and granddaughter, Noyes leaves behind a lasting impact on the world of animation and media. His commitment to environmental conservation was evident in his work, such as the 'Go Green' stamps he created for the U.S. Postal Service in 2011.
Donations in memory of Eli Noyes can be made to organizations like International Rivers or the Coalition of Natives and Allies, reflecting his dedication to social and environmental causes.
