A Stroke of Genius

By Pat Friedrich

Business and pleasure may not mix for some folks, but for local Lafayette portrait artist, AJ Hebert, it is the perfect combination.  Hebert is a part of his family owned Cajun Harley-Davidson Motorcycle business by day and a budding artist by night. 

Born in Crowley, near Lafayette, thirty-five year old Hebert always knew that he was different.  “I was drawing Mickey Mouse by age two,” says Hebert.    He took art classes in school simply because he enjoyed drawing.  Never did he think his passion could become more than just a hobby. 

“When we would go out to a restaurant, I would sketch a quick pencil drawing of a customer who was seated nearby.  When it was done, I would sign it and give it to them on my way out.”  A fun hobby while waiting for a meal was one thing.  Etching out a living through art was quite another.

Hebert’s father and brothers never really quite understood his zest for art.  Their obsession was very different.  It was the thrill of riding and selling motorcycles.  And because Hebert too shared their love of the choppers, he put his personal passion on the back burner to be a part of their family owned business.  Along the way he and his wife had two children; Isabelle, age four and Wyatt, age five months.  Eventually though he realized that he could not personally thrive or survive without his art.  It was then that he made the life altering decision to devote just one hour of his day to drawing. Eventually, Hebert expanded his repertoire to painting, first in acrylic and now in oil.

Hebert believes that the value of his art lies in something very personal that he sees in his models that he is able to capture and transfer onto the canvas.  His first painting was that of his beloved Grandmother Agnes.  That portrait became a catalyst that would drive him in a whole different direction.  When he saw his father's reaction to her portrait, everything fell into place.  AJ Hebert, motorcycle rider and entrepreneur, understood that he was not only born to ride; he was born to paint. 

“I feel like it is a God given talent. You can’t get escape that kind of force.” 

A gift created by hand and designed in the heart is very powerful for the recipient and especially the gift giver.   Much more than a random gift selected from the local store.  Hebert saw the effect of his painting immediately on his grandmother’s face, in her eyes and in her heart.  He had created something that affected her on a deep emotional level.  After that, he was propelled to do one portrait, then another, and yet another.  He could no longer keep the brakes on his talent.  The results have been a combination of financial reward and personal satisfaction.

“I bought a new easel with the money I earned from my first sale,” says Hebert.  His old easel continues to stand next to it in his dinning room/studio.  “The old one now belongs to my daughter Bella.  I think she has real talent.” 

Hebert hopes that his growing business will eventually allow him to afford a permanent studio.  He is well on his way to making that dream, a reality.  His subjects range from family to friends to the famous.  Included in his portfolio is famed Louisiana native Brian Mitchell who played professional football for the Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants.  Also included is English songwriter and soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae whose hit song “Put Your Record On,” put her on the top of the charts. In reaction to the portrait, Rae’s manager said the portrait was indeed, “delightful.”

Hebert also realizes that truly great artists must have a social consciousness and be willing to give back to the world. AJ Hebert is no different.  A very kind man, he is committed to creating art that also serves for good.  As word has spread about his talent, Hebert has made it his mission to give back to a community that has always been supportive of him.  His charity work includes donating portraits to numerous silent auctions including the University of Southern Louisiana Alumni Association.

Hebert has been fortunate enough to be able to both expand and merge his love of art with his love of bikes.  One of his current projects is an oil painting on canvas of one of his loves; a Harley Davidson motorcycle.  Impressed with his vision and talent, Harley Davidson is currently discussing a licensing agreement with Hebert to design other Harley artwork. 

So, just what happens when a motorcycle rider and an artist collide? The result is a stroke of genius.