On the bottom of the barrel is an artist mark inspired by Rookwood Pottery Company’s logo (reversed R and P encompassed in flames), found on the base of their products.
I was commissioned by the Covington branch of The Huntington National Bank to custom paint a bourbon barrel to display outside their location. My intention for the design was to highlight and celebrate the rich ceramic history of the Greater Cincinnati region.
I was inspired by the Rookwood Pottery Co. tile arches found at the East and West entrances of the Carew Tower Arcade (pictured). The Carew Tower is one of the tallest and most distinctive office buildings in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. The Art Deco stylistic motif found throughout the building is exemplified by the tile arches. Established in Cincinnati in 1880, Rookwood Pottery Co. was one of the first female-owned manufacturing firms in the U.S. Today, the company continues to manufacture pottery and tiles at its production facility in the Over-The-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati.