Chocolates, champagne, flowers and a valentine card - sounds pretty ho hum unless the card is a limited edition print. It becomes anything but ho hum when the card is a silkscreen by David Sandlin, a New York artist known for his fascination with the baser side of thrilling impulses.

David, a rogue artist who creates raunchy commentary out of his satiric blend of high-minded and lowbrow ideas, is well known for his books, paintings and mural-size silk screen prints. Born in Ireland and raised in the American South, David's roots can be detected in images that skewer right-wing populism through a sobering conceptual exploration of popular culture. For Valentine's Day he has brought his talents together in designs for a pair of silk screened cards produced in an edition of just 50 each.

Left and right:David Sandlin's Valentines for Printed Matter; center: Printed Matter window display, which is up through March 2. Photos by and courtesy the artist; and Printed Matter (left).

In the Love and Lust valentine, heart-shaped figures that morph into manifestations of their passionate and tender commitment give smooching a new face. These characters also come together in the Seasons of Our Hearts valentine that depicts lovelorn figures renewing their entanglements. Both cards are printed on 100% rag artists paper in glow-in-the-dark colors for intimate viewing - guaranteed to heat up the visual narrative another notch.

What's great about these limited edition cards is that you will not only be proclaiming your love in a significant way - you'll also lend support to the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to publications made by artist. David Sandlin Valentine Cards were commissioned by Printed Matter and are available at the store and online. 195 10th Avenue between 21st and 22nd Streets, New York, NY. 212.925.0325.

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