Make48 has been growing their network throughout the maker community, leaving footprints in the cities of our most recent events. Our first event of the series took place in Wichita, Kansas and we’re proud to bring you our first ambassador, David Marshall!
We met David at GoCreate Makerspace when he volunteered for the Wichita-Make48 event in June, ‘21. David was always there for the entire team, whether it was helping Jess Crow with her epoxy project or working with a team and the tool techs putting together their ideas, David was a star player. Learn more about David’s role at Make48 below and his maker background.
How long have you been a member at GoCreate and how did you get involved with them?
I’ve been a member of GoCreate for about 3 years now. When my wife and I moved here, our real estate agent suggested I connect with them, but it took about a year and a half for me to wander over to see what GoCreate was and what they offered. It was awesome, and they offered so much to the community. I was able to become a member through the Koch assistance program. I love that whatever project you might want to take on, they have mentors and equipment that can support you in bringing it into reality. The opportunity for me was to think bigger.
What were some of your favorite moments from the M48-GoCreate event in June?
I am big into collaboration, sharing ideas, techniques, etc. This was my first invention competition and it was wild and exciting. I loved the different levels of support to help the teams manifest their visions into physical form with integrity, and in a fun and safe environment. I really appreciated the experience the Tool Techs brought to the event, and how they were there for every team and team member. I also appreciated the diversity of the team members. That is important these days.
As our Wichita Ambassador, what are you looking forward to in your new role?
Last June, I was so impressed with what Katie accomplished from out of town, making and growing connections/sponsors. I appreciate it more now that I am building on what Katie, Cass, Amy, and Tom created from the start. I am the boots on the ground and Make48’s representative. I am looking forward to growing our network in Wichita and around the state of Kansas. This is an exciting time to be visioning, innovating, and creating. I can see Wichita becoming a mini-version of Silicon Valley. Technology and innovation are really taking off. Make48’s competitions raise awareness of what is possible, and anyone can do it. I see this is about empowerment.
How long have you been a maker and what is your tool fabrication of choice?
I have always loved making things with my hands. I made model airplanes from kits as a kid. I guess I started coming out as an artist while living in Santa Fe, NM in 1998. I began carving/sculpting stone and wood. Later in California, and as a member of the local gem & mineral club, I began carving stones for jewelry and pendants. I’ve now been carving for about 12 years. So, stone and wood are my main mediums. I feel very comfortable working with most of the tools in the wood shop. I wore several of my Jade carving pendants to the competition in June.
Is there anything you’ve built/made that you’re proud of and/or has an interesting story?
The “Tree Trunk” is my largest project to date. Necessity is always the mother of invention.
So, after having this beautiful quartz cluster since 1992 (another story), I have never really had anything that would really show it off properly. I had usually displayed it on a box or barrel.
One alternative was to create a wax model and have it cast in bronze, a very expensive process. Another was a wood base, which I ruled out because of the weight of the quartz. I landed on creating a metal base.
My criteria was to have something natural looking and to compliment/show off the quartz. I really had not worked with metal on this level before. I needed to learn some welding protocols and then began my 6-month journey. I’m very happy with the results…
Please help us welcome David to the team! And if you’re in the Wichita area check out GoCreate Makerspace, located on campus at WSU.
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