05 Aug Local Flavor: An Interview with Rum Label Artist Micah Hogan

Our labels have always been a source of conversation. Every time I pull out a bottle of Lafcadio Botanical Rum, someone inevitably asks me about the story behind it, which takes place in the same location where we distilled the rum: New Orleans. Below, an interview with the artist who provided the artwork for our rum label.

In part one we discussed the inspiration behind our labels as well as the artist who we commissioned to make the artwork for our first release, 1643 Alpine Gin.

As a way of tying in the place where each Liba spirit is made, we commission a piece of original art from a local artist to feature on the front of the bottle. This allows us to have distinctive packaging for each of our products—we feel like our releases can stand up and be appreciated entirely on their own, but that the beauty is really in the bigger picture—and we get the opportunity to illustrate a concept core to our business:

A very big part of “terroir” or what makes a place memorable are the people who live there, the makers and artists and lawyers and mothers and everyone else who provides color and depth to a community. We think of it as the local flavor of every place, as influential or more as the kinds of agriculture that grow in a specific area.

We also appreciate the opportunity to support the local community, particularly the artistic community. It’s not beyond us that we are very fortunate to go into a place and use its raw materials to make something that we then sell. We want to be sure that we can give back to that community and place as much as possible; for now, it’s by purchasing from local suppliers and commissioning artwork from local artists. In the future we hope to do more to support these communities that have opened their arms to us.

Micah Hogan is the artist we asked to provide a piece for the label of Lafcadio Botanical Rum, the rum we made in New Orleans. We were able to catch up with him and ask a couple of questions about his history, style, and favorite travel memory.

Did you grow up in New Orleans? If not, what brought you there?

I did not, I was born and raised in Southern California, however, I have been drawn to this city since I was a kid. The culture, the architecture and the landscape, and the stories I had heard about it made it seem almost mystical and when I was finally around to visiting, I fell in love with it. It still draws me to this day. 

What is it about the city that makes it so memorable to all the people who visit?

In line with the last question, I find it to be unlike anywhere else in the country. There’s an ancient feeling to this place, and you get that from the natural surroundings, some of the older buildings and establishments, and of course, the people.

You have a pretty distinctive look and feel to your art, how did you get to that style?

I’ve been engaged in some form of art since I was a kid, and nothing is more important to me than the expression of individuality. You can be inspired by a million different things, but I’m still always looking for ways to make my art my own. Sometimes that means not only getting creative with subject but mediums and materials. 

I’m curious about your process, how do you usually go about creating a piece? Does inspiration strike or do you seek it out? If you seek it out, what kind of activities do you do most often to inspire yourself?

Good question! To be completely honest,  I find seeking out inspiration sometimes to be exhausting. Not that I avoid it, but my best pieces, in my opinion, are the ones where I have been inspired by something, whether it’s a colour palette, subject, or scene. These can come from venturing out of the city or sometimes even things found in my backyard. Obviously, nature plays a large role in my art, I’m constantly inspired by the natural world and the outdoors. 

Greek mythology/imagery seems to show up in your work semi-regularly—what about it interests you?

The ancient Greeks are objectively some of the most human people in history. They were very in touch with nature, they lived big, they loved, they fought, and they really humanized their mythology and Gods. I find that fascinating and terribly inspiring.

What is your philosophy on color? Do you choose the colors you use in your pieces randomly or is there a calculation there?

Haha, no calculation. I just try not to use the same colours over and over. I like to shock myself and others with the palettes I choose. Unexpected colour combinations are something I love to play around with.

What’s one of your favorite travel memories?

Paris, 2010. It was the first time I had gotten off the continent and I couldn’t get over how beautiful that city was. It was in the heart of spring so there were flowers everywhere. The museums! Really want to go back soon. 

Where do you want to go next and what do you want to do there?

Ah, there are so many on my list….I mean, Greece of course is up there. I’d love to see the ancients up close by checking out the Parthenon in Athens and other historical points of interest throughout the country. Also hanging out & sipping ouzo in Greek isle cafes sounds pretty great. 

What cocktail/beverage are you drinking now?

It’s very hot in New Orleans this time of year, so the colder the better! Love an ice-cold gin & tonic. Or some chilled aperitif cocktail. There’s a bar here that makes a killer Peychaud’s spritz.

Keep an eye out for part two, where I talk in more detail about our second label and we hear from the artist who contributed the piece.