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I Turn Discarded Bike Parts, Tubes, And Tires Into Sculptures
Sculptures made from old bike parts, tubes, and tires depicting detailed birds perched on bicycle wheels.
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I Turn Discarded Bike Parts, Tubes, And Tires Into Sculptures

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I've worked in many mediums over the years. I've painted, sculpted, carved, and even animated video games! But last year, I set out on a new journey to work with something a little different. For the past decade, much of my work has been with recycled materials like steel, tools, and wood – now I'm working with bicycle parts!

I've found that it's a very flexible medium, and I love finding texture and shape in the old tires and tubes. I started by creating the wings of my Raven and just ran with it!

After completing the Raven, I continued with some more, smaller Blackbirds, then made "Dave the Dog," the "Squirrel-go-Round," and more before starting my Chimps.

I have 2 of the 3 planned Chimp sculptures completed: "Hear no Evil (Horatio)" and "See No Evil (Seymour)." I hope to start the third one soon.

What I love about recycled art, especially this series, is that everyone can relate to it. People connect to the objects in the sculptures, and I hope to inspire them to see past the rust and broken pieces around them and find the possibilities!

Let me know which piece is your favorite!

More info: cindychinn.com | Facebook | Instagram | youtube.com

RELATED:

    “Squirrel-go-Round”

    A fun, kinetic sculpture powered by the pedals. Move the pedals and watch the squirrels chase each other!

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    “The Raven”

    This is the first piece I made in this series. It’s made from tires, bike parts, and recycled steel (legs and feet).

    “The Raven” A closer view of the sculpture shows his glass eyes. The tongue and beak are all bike tires.

    “Baked in a Pie”

    This fun piece forced me to learn how to weave bike tires. Not an easy task!

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    “Dave the Dog”

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    Looking for adventure, and whatever comes his way!

    “Dave the Dog” is one of the most popular in the series – Dave is a cute, ‘scrappy’ little guy!

    “Building a Home”

    Two blackbirds work together to build their nest.

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    “Building a Home” (closer view). Two blackbirds work together to build their nest.

    “See No Evil”

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    This is a lifesize sculpture (base is 2’x2′) made from recycled cardboard, paper, and bicycle tubes.

    A closer look at the hand, recycled cardboard/paper with bicycle tubes for hair.

    “Re-Tired Roses”

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    I’ve made a lot of roses from old bike tires and try to find the odd colors!

    “Hear No Evil”

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    Horatio sits, and we wonder what he’s thinking.

    Here’s a closer look showing his face and hand.

    I had the honor of meeting Dr Jane Goodall before one of her talks to show her “Seymore”

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    Cindy Chinn

    Cindy Chinn

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    I'm an artist. I work full-time to make one a kind creations from micro-carvings of pencils to life-size bird sculptures like cranes and peacocks! I live and work in a 33,000 square foot former school building in rural Nebraska, where I have set up studios for my many interests. Check out my website (CindyChinn.com) and follow my social media page to see what crazy project I'm working on!

    Read less »
    Cindy Chinn

    Cindy Chinn

    Author, Community member

    I'm an artist. I work full-time to make one a kind creations from micro-carvings of pencils to life-size bird sculptures like cranes and peacocks! I live and work in a 33,000 square foot former school building in rural Nebraska, where I have set up studios for my many interests. Check out my website (CindyChinn.com) and follow my social media page to see what crazy project I'm working on!

    Ieva Midveryte

    Ieva Midveryte

    Moderator, Community member

    Read more »

    Hello Pandas! My name is Ieva, though it's often mistaken for the word 'Leva,' and in Lithuanian, it means 'loser' (insert the pain emoji). While I don't take offense if you accidentally call me a loser, I thought I'd share something interesting with you, which I also do professionally at work.Anywayyy, my favorite part here is introducing you to creative people who deserve just as much recognition as famous celebrities. Besides that, I also enjoy memes and funny, lighthearted posts, and occasionally, I find myself drawn to a bit of internet drama.

    Read less »

    Ieva Midveryte

    Ieva Midveryte

    Moderator, Community member

    Hello Pandas! My name is Ieva, though it's often mistaken for the word 'Leva,' and in Lithuanian, it means 'loser' (insert the pain emoji). While I don't take offense if you accidentally call me a loser, I thought I'd share something interesting with you, which I also do professionally at work.Anywayyy, my favorite part here is introducing you to creative people who deserve just as much recognition as famous celebrities. Besides that, I also enjoy memes and funny, lighthearted posts, and occasionally, I find myself drawn to a bit of internet drama.

    What do you think ?
    Ritchat
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now this is the stuff I go on BP for. Your work is stunning! <3

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you so much! I'm really enjoying working on this series.

    Load More Replies...
    Grm Moore
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love the Raven!!! Awesome work.

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you! He was the first piece in the series. I started a hawk, but ran out of brown tires for the feathers! A raven seemed the next logical choice. :D

    Load More Replies...
    Gina Mangin
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So amazing! Love your style and medium!

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thanks, tires have been a lot of fun to work with...

    Load More Replies...
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thanks Peggy - I feel artwork, especially recycled art should be fun :D

    Load More Replies...
    Andrew Burke
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow! Really impressive! I love your integration of old bike parts as a nod to the material used for the animals. /edit: the squirrel piece looks even better than I expected in motion.

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you so much! I plan to make a few more kinetic pieces in this (and other series).

    Load More Replies...
    jasper
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are fantastic! The raven is my favorite, but Dave the Dog is a close 2nd. So creative!! BP needs more of this type of content.

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you! :) Yes, BP and the world need more art these days!

    Load More Replies...
    Karen Bryan
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cindy, you are a genius. I hope there's a career in this for you.

    judy correllus
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She is really, really good. Needs shop on internet for people to buy. Expressions on your subjects perfect. Love them!

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you, I have some of the Re-Tired series on my website store https://shop.cindychinn.com/product-category/re-tired-art/

    Load More Replies...
    Jules
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are brilliant! What a great way to recycle bits of what would otherwise be rubbish

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you so much! I love to give 'trash' new life.

    Load More Replies...
    Ritchat
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now this is the stuff I go on BP for. Your work is stunning! <3

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you so much! I'm really enjoying working on this series.

    Load More Replies...
    Grm Moore
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love the Raven!!! Awesome work.

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you! He was the first piece in the series. I started a hawk, but ran out of brown tires for the feathers! A raven seemed the next logical choice. :D

    Load More Replies...
    Gina Mangin
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So amazing! Love your style and medium!

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thanks, tires have been a lot of fun to work with...

    Load More Replies...
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thanks Peggy - I feel artwork, especially recycled art should be fun :D

    Load More Replies...
    Andrew Burke
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow! Really impressive! I love your integration of old bike parts as a nod to the material used for the animals. /edit: the squirrel piece looks even better than I expected in motion.

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you so much! I plan to make a few more kinetic pieces in this (and other series).

    Load More Replies...
    jasper
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are fantastic! The raven is my favorite, but Dave the Dog is a close 2nd. So creative!! BP needs more of this type of content.

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you! :) Yes, BP and the world need more art these days!

    Load More Replies...
    Karen Bryan
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cindy, you are a genius. I hope there's a career in this for you.

    judy correllus
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She is really, really good. Needs shop on internet for people to buy. Expressions on your subjects perfect. Love them!

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you, I have some of the Re-Tired series on my website store https://shop.cindychinn.com/product-category/re-tired-art/

    Load More Replies...
    Jules
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are brilliant! What a great way to recycle bits of what would otherwise be rubbish

    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you so much! I love to give 'trash' new life.

    Load More Replies...
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