*ar•tis•tic (adjective) foot•print (noun):

1. The impact of art on or in your environment

A Word from the Author: Baby Hector has been a constant companion in my travels for years now. I often place him[1] in locations that have personally impacted me, or moved me; in businesses that I support, or just in places where I think he might feel comfortable. However, I no longer leave him without the location's permission. Especially, if it's a scene in nature, where I definitely don't have permission from Mother Earth to place yet another piece of plastic in her hearth. Now, I place him, snap a picture, and leave, with him in my pocket. If you get your hands on a Baby Hector of your own, I recommend you do the same. Found and original art can be sent to [info@theadventuresofbabyhector.com] for future publication. In the meantime, please enjoy The Adventures of Baby Hector.[2]

[1] While I have always imagined Baby Hector with he/him/his pronouns, both he* and I are accepting and loving of our non-binary pals. Feel free to gender Baby Hector anyway you please.

[2] I started documenting my adventures with Baby Hector long before I was ever aware of the King Cake tradition, also known as a “Three Kings Cake.” Hugely popular in Louisiana, but also around the world, the cake is associated with Epiphany—typically featuring a small plastic figurine, representing Child Christ, hidden inside. As such, despite my complete lack of religion, and while my adventures with Baby Hector have been anything but traditional, I feel it’s only fair to make the first photo: