My series of drawings and history of the USPS love stamps was printed in the February 6th, 2020 edition of the Lakeville Journal, page A3.
Because it is the week for mailing out Valentines, we can look forward to the unveiling of the new 2020 Love stamp. Every year, on and off since 1973, the US Postal service has issued a new love stamp for the purpose of sending out your cards of intimate sentiment!
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| Sue at the Amenia Post Office shows me the new stamps |
The first official love stamp featured the iconic stacked LOVE design by Robert Indiana. It cost eight cents!
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| By Robert Indiana |
It was created for the Museum of Modern art's Christmas card and never copyrighted, so it has popped up everywhere. Poor Robert Indiana doesn't get a penny from it. Another design, a few years later, was created by the the nun/artist/activist, Corita Kent.
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| Corita Kent |
There used to be a water tower in Boston that featured her rainbow slashes.Wonder if it is still up?
This year's love stamp design is by Alberto Alcala. He also designed last years. He is one of 4 art directors with the post office. You have probably used his stamps many times. Last spring he made the stamp of the waving flag. It is from a photograph he took while walking along the shores of Lake Michigan. Another Forever stamp series he designed last fall was of holiday wreaths against doors.
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| Alcala's stamps |
More about it on page A3, under "The Season for Romance"!
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| Lakeville Journal |
So nice! You have inspired me to write some snail mail to friends.
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