CODY NORMAN

Cody Norman is a Chicago-based artist, educator, and designer whose work is focused on transforming recycled and bioplastics into exquisite functional art. His practice of collaboration is not limited as Cody is a co-director of Happy Returns with Tom Burtonwood, a creative hub focusing on connecting with other artists to “solve a range of creative problems” with the help of “industrial robots and recycled plastics.” Cody is also involved with _Altspace, which is an organization that celebrates the healing power of art within the Black community. At the heart of these creative practices, Redemptive Plastics is a collaboration between Happy Returns and _Altspace, where discarded plastic is transformed into functional art through the magic of robotics and recycled innovation.

 

Cody Norman’s Journey to Plastic

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Art has always been in Cody’s life–he’s been drawing for as long as he can remember, and that early passion set him on the path to where he is today. Beginning at the Washtenaw Community College, he honed onto the skills of Illustrator and Photoshop. From there, he moved on to the School of Art Institute of Chicago to study graphic design. However, at SAIC, he discovered an appreciation of working with his hands–a passion he credits to his dad, a skilled general contractor. That mixture of tech and tactile has shaped Cody’s unique approach to art and design today. 

 

Cody's love for the design process led him to 3D printing, a journey that began when he scored a 3D printer at a scratch-and-dent sale, as he says “I couldn’t afford anything else.” With his natural curiosity, he found himself wondering, “What do I do with these failed chunks of plastics?”–-especially since some were surprisingly strong and dense. Cody’s lightbulb moment came when he thought, “Why not collect my own plastic?” Instead of buying brand-new materials, he thought to repurpose what he already had and 3D print with that. Of course, it wasn’t as easy as it sounded, as Cody emphasized the quality control that needs to be kept in check. But his fascination with robotics and recycling only grew, leading him to pursue a master’s in 3D design at Cranbrook Academy of Art, where he could dive even deeper into his creative passions. 

 

Furthering this, Cody’s colleague, Lauren, had her own quirky way of working with plastic–she would melt it in her toaster oven to create bricks, sheets, and even soap holders. Lauren insist Cody to melt his 3D prints, which sparked a new world of possibilities. But, again, this was just the beginning. Through Justin Ballard, Cody got the chance to work with his famous robot, adding another layer to his creative journey. As Cody puts it, “All that together kinda got me to experimenting enough, and learning enough to start doing something with the material.” 

 

Into Cody’s Art Practice

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I had the pleasure of visiting Cody’s art space in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. In the center of his studio stands the infamous robot that’s become a key part of his creative process. Seeing this amazing piece of machinery up close really expands the understanding of what an artist can achieve. This is especially when thinking about combining and embracing technology within the arts. Moreover, exploring the space gave me more insight of the dedication that Cody and his collaborators are willing to experiment with. Their process is all about trial and error, and they fully embrace it. They are mindful of every step, taking safety precautions along the way and staying aware of the long-term effects plastics can have on them. As mentioned, hearing about the process is one thing, but seeing it in action really changes your perspective on the care and commitment behind each artist’s practice. Cody speaks about his practice and Redemptive Plastics with so much care, admiration, and thoughtfulness. While he has a clear vision of his art, he is also deeply aware of the impact his work has on an audience. This is where sustainability can be introduced for conversation. He takes responsibility for his influence, considering everything from health concerns to how his pieces interact with public spaces. Even during the span of collaborating, he states that it’s better to be upfront about certain issues. Sustainability isn’t a topic to sugarcoat, so I’m sure working with such materials and mechanics isn’t something to sugarcoat either. Through his work, sustainability remains a constant conversation, keeping people mindful and engaged. Ultimately, it is all about creating a better future for everyone, as everyone has a common goal for this better future. 

 

For Cody, collaboration is a big part of everything, and when it comes to community engagement, he says, “It’s easy!” because, at the core, everyone shares the same goal: to make a positive impact. The bigger vision is all about investing in the neighborhood. For _Atlspace, that neighborhood is Austin, Chicago–a place open for change. Keeping people engaged is where it all comes full circle, and Cody’s approach makes it seem effortless. What Cody and _Altspace are doing is truly unique: they’re taking a global issue within their community, turning it into something fun, educational, and deeply impactful. It all comes down to finding connections, having a deep understanding of community and self, and embracing experimentation. Some might call it luck, but for Cody and his team, it’s all about passion.