What Makes a Maker: Meet Arthur Hebert
What Makes a Maker?
Meet Arthur Hebert, a two-time Baton Rouge Mini Maker Faire participant who is eager to share his knowledge at Maker Faire Lafayette. Arthur lives in Baton Rouge where he makes awesome CNC router projects and advocates for the practical use of rainwater collection.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started making things.
I work on a variety of hands-on activities around the Baton Rouge area with others and by myself. I worked at the highway department for a good chunk of time, but I’m trying other stuff out now.
Part of my start was making all kinds of stuff at summer camp. I argue that this stuff can help show what to value.
Other Makers, feel free to network with me.
What does the term “Maker” mean to you?
“Crossing the Bar” comes to mind. I think Maker is a good umbrella term to cover people who make creative stuff. For me, making stuff is an outlet.
Who or what inspires you?
A lot of my ideas come from things that I’ve observed outside. So far I’ve helped set up six 275-gallon rainwater collection containers and seeing them in action is neat.
Is making your hobby or your business? How does it relate, if at all, to your day job?
Making was my hobby for the past few years, but I currently plan to try to expand my projects into a business. It related to my highway department job because of the computer skills needed.
Why is making important to you?
There are quite a few things that I haven’t been able to find and buy using an internet search. I think it’s useful sometimes to be able to make the product that you’re after.
What have you made that you are most proud of?
A nine-piece puzzle that I made was pretty cool. It’s neat talking about how to solve these. The custom cat trees that I helped make are really something, and I also have a better pants-hanger design coming soon.
The two Maker Faires that I have participated in were high points of those years.
What would you make if you had unlimited resources?
A dog bridge over the driveway into the garden at my friend’s place.
What up-and-coming maker trends excite you the most?
I’m excited to try the Maker Space at the new River Center Branch Library in Baton Rouge.
What advice can you give someone who wants to get involved in the Maker movement?
High school woodshop class is an experience that might help you figure out if you like to do hands-on activities. (Kind of similar to how I remember more stuff from kindergarten than first and second grade.)
Tell us something surprising about yourself.
I have ridden my bike from Baton Rouge to Kenner [that’s 70+ miles]!
