This is the web site for the Florida Makers Podcast, a series of stories about the people and organizations making in Florida — and making Florida such a special place to live.
There will be more news soon on the podcast and information on how to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.
The term “maker” is often associated with a diverse community of craftspeople, artists, and DIY enthusiasts who are passionate about creating, innovating, and sharing their work. In the Florida Makers Podcast, we’ll explore how these creative individuals who live and work in Florida are having an impact on the art and craft worlds and the greater world around them.
What is a “Maker”?
Traditionally, the terms “craftsperson” and “artist” are used to describe individuals who engage in various forms of manual and artistic work. Craftspeople are typically associated with skills like woodworking, metalworking, pottery, and textiles, while artists are linked to visual arts such as painting, sculpture, and photography. However, “maker” has emerged as a more inclusive and encompassing descriptor, blurring the lines between traditional categories and embracing a wide range of creative practices.
The Maker Movement, which gained momentum in the early 2000s and has been documented by Dale Dougherty and Make: magazine, played a crucial role in popularizing this term. The movement celebrates DIY culture, innovation, and the democratization of technology, encouraging individuals to create and share their projects with the world. Makerspaces, community workshops equipped with tools and resources, have sprung up around the globe, providing a collaborative environment for makers to learn, experiment, and bring their ideas to life.
Craftspeople as Makers
Craftspeople have always been at the heart of the maker community. Their expertise in traditional crafts and techniques forms the foundation of many maker projects. By adopting the term “maker,” craftspeople acknowledge their role in a broader movement that values creativity, skill, and innovation.
For example, a woodworker who creates custom furniture can be considered a maker, as they combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles and techniques. Similarly, a textile artist who weaves intricate patterns or designs unique clothing pieces is also a maker, as they contribute to the rich tapestry of handmade goods.
The maker identity allows craftspeople to connect with a wider audience, share their knowledge and skills, and collaborate with others who share their passion for creating. It also fosters a sense of community and mutual support, as makers often learn from each other and build on each other’s ideas.
Artists as Makers
Artists, too, have embraced the maker identity, recognizing the value of hands-on creation and experimentation. The term “maker” encompasses a broad spectrum of artistic practices, from traditional fine arts to contemporary digital media and installation art.
An artist who paints murals, for instance, can be seen as a maker, as they transform public spaces with their creative vision and technical skill. A sculptor who works with reclaimed materials to create thought-provoking installations is also a maker, as they combine artistic expression with a resourceful and sustainable approach to materials.
The maker mindset encourages artists to explore new mediums, techniques, and technologies, pushing the boundaries of their practice and expanding the possibilities of what art can be. It also promotes a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, as artists work alongside engineers, designers, and other makers to create innovative and impactful projects.
The Maker Identity
The term “maker” has had a profound impact on how craftspeople and artists perceive themselves and their work. It emphasizes the importance of hands-on creation, innovation, and collaboration, fostering a sense of empowerment and agency. By identifying as makers, craftspeople and artists align themselves with a global community that values creativity, skill, and the joy of making.
Moreover, the maker identity has helped to break down barriers between different creative disciplines, encouraging cross-pollination of ideas and techniques. It has also raised awareness of the importance of preserving traditional crafts and skills, while embracing new technologies and approaches.
The term “maker” has become a powerful and inclusive descriptor for craftspeople and artists, celebrating the diverse and vibrant world of hands-on creativity. Whether working with wood, textiles, paint, or digital media, makers are united by their passion for creating, innovating, and sharing their work with the world.
Makers in Florida
While some see the Maker Movement as a product of the San Francisco Bay area or Brooklyn, NY, the reality is that makers are everywhere. Florida is home to thousands of makers, from visual artists to model makers to robot builders to classical craftspeople. This podcast is about those makers in this state. There are some who have an international presences and others whose nearest neighbors will be surprised to see them here. The things that unite them all are the passion and creativity they show for their work, and the fact that they call Florida home.