WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?
Hey, I’m Michael Meeks! The “MacArthur” in my business name comes from my middle name. I’m the 3rd in a line of MMM initials with the middle name MacArthur. My wife, Emily, and I just made the 4th MMM with our son, Madison MacArthur Meeks! I’m from Warner Robins, GA and moved to Augusta in 2016 and have loved it ever since. I teach first grade at Martinez Elementary School and started my business on the side

DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.
I love to work with the client to determine exactly what they want. I mostly make resin charcuterie boards, so I’ll explain my process with those. I start with a live edge slab of wood and make sure the bark is removed in all areas. I flatten the wood on both sides and get the surfaces parallel. I then cut the wood and square it up to match my resin mold. I calculate how much resin I will need by converting cubic inches to ounces. Then I mix my preferred pigment into the resin and pour it. I wait 3 days for the resin to cure, and then pop it out of the mold. I plane the board, and then begin my sanding process. I usually chamfer the edges of the board and water pop between a few grits. I then soak them in Walrus Oil and wait 24 hours. I wipe off the excess oil and then wax them. Then it’s photoshoot time!

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I love creating for other people. By making them a piece of furniture or whatever it might be, it’s a way of serving and loving them well. It’s an awesome feeling to make something with your hands.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.
I love to make lists!

FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.
I enjoy the wide variety of local restaurants the most. You can’t beat eating at Whiskey Bar after church on Sunday and then popping over to Boll Weevil for a heavenly slice of cake!

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?
I have been blessed with a gift to use creativity in a few different ways. When I create resin charcuterie boards, it appeals to both sides of my brain: I get to create the design of the board and use the exciting colors of resin, and I also get to calculate just enough math and use machinery to entertain the other side of my brain.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?
I don’t know if I’m wise enough to give advice, but I’d say to create what makes you and others happy. It’s amazing to be able to see the look on people’s face when you create something with your hands for them.