Above: Robert Indiana's Love Sculpture in Philadelphia, 1976 (just one of several)
Some of the most recognizable and respected icons of 'love' are those of Robert Indiana and Alexander Girard . Initially designed decades ago, these eternally hip symbols have found their way onto many different products, all of which make excellent Valentine's gifts for any designer.
Robert Indiana (b. 1928)
Above: Painter, Sculptor and designer, Robert Indiana with his famous Love image. photo by Stephen O. Muskie.
Robert Indiana's LOVE image is arguably one of the most recognizable icons of the latter half of the 20th century. With giant sculptures in many major cities, Robert Indiana is one of the first artists many think of when asked to define "pop" art. His love image has appeared on postage stamps for multiple countries, in various color formations as art and rugs and has been knocked off in almost every language.
Robert Indiana Authentic Love Items available:
Love Welcome Mats:
From the Whitney Museum store, available in the small size only Coir, 20" x 20" x 1.5"
Available for purchase here.
Above: The LOVE Rug is an original work of Art by Robert Indiana. It is a hand signed, limited edition, produced by the Artist in conjunction with master rug maker John Gilbert. Based on the 1964 MOMA Christmas card. Hand made with archival New Zealand wool. Each piece comes with a "Certificate of Authenticity" signed by the publisher. Sizes: 2'x 2' $125 or 6'x 6' $3,500
Buy it here from Lost City Arts.
Bird Fine Art gallery carries the rug in many color combination (only 4 of which are shown below) each is 6' x 6" and available for purchase and all are hand signed by the artist himself:
Above top: Love Enflame (Classic Love) edition: 150
size: 6 x 6 feet, 183 cm x 183 cm
Above bottom: Grisaille
edition: 30 in a Book of Love Portfolio Edition of 300
size: 6 x 6 feet, 183 cm x 183 cm
Above top: American Love
edition: 30 in a Book of Love Portfolio Edition of 300
size: 6 x 6 feet, 183 cm x 183 cm
Above bottom: Thirst
edition: 30 in a Book of Love Portfolio Edition of 300
size: 6 x 6 feet, 183 cm x 183 cm
Many museums now carry Robert Indiana's Love sculpture as an aluminum paperweight in various colors. They are available in several online museum stores in prices ranging from $48-$70.00, so avoid the numerous ebay dealers selling them at 100$ a piece.
Buy them here.
Or here.
Or here.
If you're lucky enough to find one of these vintage gold 1971 Love Rings, it'll run you around $900.00 USD. The rings were also made in sterling silver and brass and can often be found on ebay.
Buy this ring here.
Robert Indiana Inspired Items:
The mirror made by Seletti is available here.
The Cook worktop board by Joseph Joseph is available here.
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Alexander Girard (1907-1993)
Working in partnership with Charles Eames and George Nelson, Girard helped catapult Herman Miller to the forefront of modern design, creating furnishings, wallpaper, and brilliantly colored textiles rooted in the vibrant simplicity of folk art. Maharam re-issued Alexander Girard's Checker, Checker Split, Double Triangles, Jacobs Coat, Mikado, Millerstripe, Quatrefoil and Toostripe as part of the Textiles of the 20th Century Collection.
Authentic Alexander Girard Items Available:
Alexander Girard International Love Heart and his Love Heart are available on several items:
buy the Alexander Girard Love Welcome Mats here.
buy the pillows here.
The Japanese Bearbrick toy featuring Girard's International Loveheart was a collaboration between máXimo, Stitch Store in Tokyo and Medicom Toy. .Medicom Be@rbrick with Alexander Girard's International Love symbol, shown in both in 400% and 100% sizes
Above left: Alexander Girard International Love Be@rbrick available here.
Above Right: This Medicom Be@rbrick with the LOVE heart by Alexandre Girard is made especially for Colette. The box can be transformed into a card to write a love note.
Only available at Colette.
Modern seed exclusively carries Alexander Girard's designs on T-shirts for kids, his 2 heart designs are amongst them:
Buy them here.
Even notecards are available in packages of 20 featuring his heart and other designs:
Buy them here.
See other great valentine's day gift choices here.