Travelling Creatures

2021, 3D Printed Sculptures designed using Meshmixer and printed in PLA. Finished with gold spray paint and gloss varnish.

Each creature is palm sized, generally around 1-4 inches in length.

The bottom of each creature contains a QR code, pictured below

These creatures all hail from a far off bird land and are here for the move of a lifetime! They have been spotted all over Ottawa, Ontario, inhabiting various local spaces to look for potential housing opportunities. Should you stumble across one of these creatures, feel free to bring them along! Whether you bring them home or take them to a new location, these travelers are thankful you’re willing to help them on their journey!

Each design was made using public domain taxidermy scans from multiple museum collections, then combining elements in Meshmixer in order to create an entirely new animal. Once the designs were finalized they were 3D printed over multiple 3 day sessions to make the final 11 creatures. After that they were sprayed with gold spray paint and had their QR codes attached before varnishing them. Then they were ready to travel!

The 11 travelling creatures are part of an interactive multimedia project, focused on accessible art in a public space and creating a sense of fantasy in an otherwise mundane world. Participants who come across the art are encouraged to touch and take it home, as long as they treat them gently and with respect.

Types of Creatures

The Tigea (Aquila Chrysaetos Tigris)

A combination of a Bald Eagle and a Tiger, a family of four travelers can be found throughout Ottawa. These temperamental creatures are fickle and headstrong, prone to lazing in the sun or screaming for attention.

The Jaoar (Cyanocitta Cristata Sus Scrofa)

A combination of a Bluejay and a Boar, a family of three travelers can be found throughout Ottawa. These creatures are known for their insatiable appetites, as well as their call when looking for a friend to be their companion.

The Raion (Corvus Corax Leo)

A combination of a Raven and a Lion, a family of four travelers can be found throughout Ottawa. These regal creatures are known for their curiosity and self grooming, as they take great pride in their appearances.