Art and love have always been inextricably linked. For many artists, romantic relationships have served as powerful muses, fuelling their creativity and inspiring some of their most celebrated works.
While countless paintings and artworks depict love, in the lead-up to Valentine's Day, I've decided to explore a different perspective: love notes written by artists themselves. Read on to discover these heartfelt expressions of affection!
Yves Saint Laurent
In 1970, renowned fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent began a unique artistic tradition. He created a series of poster-sized greeting cards, sent annually to loved ones, colleagues and clients until 2007. Each year, Saint Laurent embraced a fresh colour palette, crafting unique images through a blend of collage, drawings and gouache. The word 'LOVE' remained the unifying theme. While many cards reflected the vibrant colours and culture of Morocco, which deeply inspired Saint Laurent, influences from artists like Georges Braque, Jean Cocteau, Andy Warhol and Henri Matisse are also evident
Patti Warashina to Robert Sperry (1996)
'My head swirls when I think about you, Bob!' reads the handwritten note at the bottom of this Valentine. A testament to her playful spirit, renowned ceramic sculptor Patti Warashina often sent handmade cards to her husband, Robert Sperry. This 1996 creation features a whimsical pinwheel, its playful tongues playfully licking Bob's face with each rotation.
Xavier Gonzalez to Ethel Edwards (1984)
Xavier Gonzalez, a gifted artist who excelled in painting, sculpture, murals and graphic design, found love within his own classroom. In 1942, he married his student, Ethel Edwards, at his art school. Their enduring romance is poignantly documented in his personal papers, a collection of hundreds of affectionate and often humorous love notes spanning their 62 years of marriage.
Rockwell Kent to Frances Kent (1929)
Rockwell Kent, a renowned artist and adventurer whose talents spanned painting, printmaking, writing and exploration, met Frances in 1926. Eighteen years his junior and recently divorced, Frances captivated him and he pursued her with a flurry of love letters.
Alexander Calder and Ellsworth Kelly
A vibrant exchange of letters, illustrated notes and postcards served as the foundation for a deep friendship between two titans of the art world. Through these missives, they shared intimate glimpses into their personal lives, expressed their mutual admiration and contemplated their respective artistic pursuits.
Lucian Freud to Caroline Blackwood, 1952
At the age of 22, Caroline Caroline Blackwood, the daughter of a Marquess and heiress to the Guinness beer fortune, eloped to Paris with Freud followed by a formal wedding a year later in 1953. They divorced in 1956. This letter is from the early days of their relationship following a dinner.
Frida Kahlo to Emmy Lou Packard 1940
Emmy Lou Packard, a 20th-century artist and activist, explored themes of inequality and social justice in her paintings and prints. Notably, she served as chief assistant to the renowned muralist Diego Rivera and maintained an affectionate and close friendship with Frida Kahlo. Here Kahlo thanks Emmy Lou for taking care of Diego during a trip he made to San Francisco and seals the letter with three kisses.
If you are looking for a Valentine gift with a difference I highly recommend original art as the perfect love token! Shop here!
Comments