THE COLLECTION
The CD was the ultimate in digital storage, from music to software–yet it is far from a permanent medium; they scratch, degrade, break, and are now close to obsolete. CDCREATIVE sculptures are created from CDs that would have otherwise gone to waste; they save a negligible amount of CDs from the landfill (or ‘safe disposal’)… but more importantly, they help spread the message of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’. Each sculpture is made by breaking a CD and remixing it; giving a new life. The collection includes the following animals and shapes that can be remade with any music or software CD.
Dodecahedron
Another perfect shape: the dodecahedron. 12-sided beauty… symmetry from one angle, asymmetry from another.
Dimensions: 2.75″ x 2.75″ x 2.25″ (L x W x H)Number of CDs: 2
Designed for moving forward; those left behind won’t even try to catch up.
Dimensions: 2.5″ x 2″ x 2.75″ (L x W x H)
Made from 2 CDs, its body is almost completely covered by CDs, except for a few highlights on its legs and underside.
The archetype of the upcycled disc, and an adversary not to be ignored. Standing still, it is the master of awareness, observing and knowing all taking place in its surroundings.
Dimensions: 2.75″ × 4″ × 3.25″ (L x W x H)
Option 1: Fiendz can be made with one CD, leaving and open back and showing more of the 3D printed colors.
Option 2: Fiendz can also be made with two CDs and almost fully covered, showing only 3D printed color accents on the legs, tail, and underside. This option contains more details and will surely impress.
Cube. What more to say? Except that one could argue it’s the most perfect of the perfect shapes. Clean cut, solid, stackable, it can stand alone or be used as a platform for certain breeds of Tektiles.
Dimensions: 3.25″ x 3.25″ x 3.25″ (L x W x H)CDs: 6
CD holes are covered to make for an intriguing artifact that’s not of this world.
*It must be noted that the corners of this shape can be fragile. The cube must be laid down flat and gently to avoid chipping a corner.
The 3-sided pyramid. Adapted from the perfect shape of a tetrahedron, this Tektile gives a boost of power to other Tektiles in the room.
Dimensions: 4″ x 4″ x 3.75″ (L x W x H)CDs: 4
*It must be noted that the bottom corners of this Tektile can be fragile. The pyramid must be laid down flat and gently to avoid chipping a corner.
HOW CDCREATIVES ARE MADE
1. Computer-Designed
The CDCREATIVE’s shape is designed on the computer using 3D modeling software. Choose from a selection of animal-like designs or building-like structures. Keep an eye out for new designs as the collection grows!
2. CD Acquired
Each CDCREATIVE is made from actual music or software CDs that have been collected from people who didn’t want them anymore. The artwork on the CDs is the raw material that gets collaged onto the final design. This helps to make Tektile unique.
3. 3D Printed Core
The CDCREATIVE sculpture is supported by the help of a 3D printed core made from recyclable PLA. Some designs cover the core entirely, but others make use of the awesome colors of the 3D printed material to accent the design.
4. CD Cutting
The CD is precisely cut according to the design’s specifications. At this stage, two human hands and one machine work together to cut the perfect pieces.
5. Assembled
The pieces are glued by hand to the 3D printed core; it is done with such precision and focus that it would mesmerize everyone in the room.
6. Packaged
The finished CDCREATIVE is placed securely in a decorative box.
7. Shipped
The box is shipped to your door, hassle-free.
8. Happy Face
Place your CDCREATIVE in your desired location, or give to someone special, and watch the happiness spread.
ABOUT THE CDCREATIVE PROJECT
Most places—including Montreal, where CDCREATIVES are made—don’t have facilities to recycle CDs; They would need to be shipped elsewhere to be recycled. Most people end up throwing their unwanted CDs in the trash; some dispose in the recycling bin, assuming it will be recycled… but the truth is that unrecyclable materials like CDs sent for recycling are redirected to the landfill.
Hard plastic is a difficult medium to manipulate, but each CDCREATIVE is a fun challenge. The artwork on the original CD gives each sculpture its personality; the CD is upcycled into a unique piece of art, and a monument to the original musician that will be cherished by its beholder.
About the Creator
Jonathan Wilansky is a teacher by day, and artist by night. The CDCREATIVE collection is his outlet to create and spawn these little CD creatures and build the structures that inhabit their world; it allows him to leave the digital space–where he spends most of his work time–to make with his hands and get lost in detail. Fuelled by his childlike imagination, hands and machines come together to reinvent objects that would otherwise go to waste.
His professional experience includes website development, graphic design, and programming. In 2013, Jonathan transitioned into teaching at the College level, leveraging his experience from e-learning to create engaging courses in the physical classroom. Aside from teaching, he is a student of Environmental Science, while practicing music and sculpture in parallel. He aims to create works that raise awareness on issues of sustainability and that instill a sense of personal responsibility towards environmental protection.