On the picturesque island of Île de Ré, an artist known as Shoodrik is breathing new life into discarded bicycle parts by transforming them into stunning steel sculptures. Working from his workshop in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, the sculptor has developed a unique art form that gives old bike components a second chance at purpose and beauty.
Shoodrik, whose real name is Cédric, specializes in converting salvaged bicycle parts obtained from a local rehabilitation workshop into extraordinary works of art. In his Le Bois-Plage studio, weathered bike components including gears, spokes, and rusted chains are meticulously transformed into marine animals, monumental totems, and familiar silhouettes that capture the essence of Île de Ré. The artist has been welding, hammering, assembling, and shaping these materials since 2016, creating what he calls "RéCycleArt" – a deliberate play on words combining Ré, cycle, art, and recycling.
The inspiration for this innovative art form came from an unexpected moment of revelation at a local waste disposal site. "I saw all these bicycles that people were throwing away," Shoodrik recalls, describing how the sight of such waste deeply affected him. The extensive disposal of still-usable bicycles struck him as particularly wasteful and environmentally concerning. "During the night, I thought to myself: why don't I do something about this?" This moment of clarity sparked what would become his artistic calling and environmental mission.
At the time of his epiphany, Cédric was working as a bicycle rental operator and repair technician on the island. He began experimenting with the discarded bike parts in his garage, initially focusing on creating functional items like light fixtures before gradually expanding into sculptural works. The transition from practical applications to artistic expression happened naturally as his skills and confidence grew with each project.
The response to his sculptures was overwhelmingly positive from the beginning. "The sculptures attracted the most attention," he remembers, noting how visitors and locals were particularly drawn to his three-dimensional artistic pieces rather than his functional creations. This enthusiastic reception encouraged him to focus more heavily on developing his sculptural practice and refining his unique artistic vision.
Today, Cédric has established himself as a distinctive voice in the world of recycled art, continuing to work exclusively with bicycle components to create his steel totems and sculptures. His work represents both an artistic achievement and an environmental statement, demonstrating how creative vision can transform what others see as waste into meaningful and beautiful art that celebrates both sustainability and the unique character of Île de Ré.
