The story of "American Love", by Robert Kend
(subtitled "How it is that we have this for sale at the gallery.")
In the mid to late 1960's, a young entrepreneur named David Kend from New York, established a small company on Long Island called Paperweights, Inc. The concept was simple: a small square piece of Italian marble with a custom enameled logo on a round or square metal plate. Sold through the New York Times to Fortune 500 companies, the giveaways were popular at trade shows, events and as corporate awards.
David approached executives at American Express in the 1970's with an idea to market "modern art" to cardholders. He met with various artists of the day, including Peter Max, to explore the idea. There were always little inserts with special offers for gold card members and (he) was convinced there was a market. David eventually contacted and hired Robert Indiana to do "American Love".
Based on the very popular "LOVE" postage stamp of his own design, Indiana changed the colors to red, white and blue and signed off on the new enameled process on a large metal plate.
As far as I know, very few of these "American Love" metal plates survive; perhaps only the 5 or 6 he brought back with him on the plane from Japan where they were made. None were ever sold through American Express. All have remained in the Kend family since then unless he (Kend) gave a few away to friends or sent a proof to Mr. Indiana.
Interested? Call the gallery...413.664.4003
