Remember when you used to just chuck old and worn out CDs into the litter bin? Of course, what use can they be except for music? Well, Sean E Avery thought differently. This South Africa-born teacher, writer-illustrator, artist and designer, now based in Perth, Australia, found unique ways to create things out of discarded CDs, computer hardware and other electronic waste.
One look at Avery’s CD sculptures will convince you that his art is not only unique but also scintillating. He creates awesome animal sculptures by gluing CD shards to wire mesh frames in the shape of different animals. His expertise in making these sculptures and the natural iridescence of CD shards add to their beauty.
Avery says, “My sculptures are all constructed with recycled materials – old CDs, computer drives, etc. So, I classify my work as ‘sustainable art’. They’re a lot of fun to make, but they take an extremely long time to finish, so I don’t do a lot of them.”
When Avery was 12, he was already writing YA fiction and video game reviews for East Cape Herald. He not only became a well-known children’s picture books writer and illustrator, but also a teacher. He has written popular children’s picture books, such as All Monkeys Love Bananas, and Harold and Grace.
However, Avery was always passionate about art. So, when he graduated from high school, he went on to study graphic design from Curtin University of Technology, Australia. He developed the unique CD art that provided him with an international audience. His works not only adorn various galleries but also became the prized possessions of private collectors.
Today, Avery is basking in the glory of his CD art, where his birds and small mammals have become collectors’ items.
Sean E Avery: Website | Instagram