Designing Mail

 Twin Cities, MN, artist Peter Kramer in his office.

For architect/artist/furniture designer Peter Kramer its simple. If you want to help the Postal Service you have to use it.

The Twin Cities designer is an enthusiastic fan of the mail and all things postal. So much so that he created a series of more than 120 one-of-a-kind “Postcards to Save the Post Office.” Recently on exhibit at the Grand Hand Gallery in St. Paul, MN, the original art pieces sold out on opening day. Kramer is now adding a personal note and affixing a personalized postage stamp to each postcard for delivery by mail to the purchasers.

In his life, Kramer is always sketching. He uses envelopes, napkins or whatever piece of paper may be available. He then plays around with the sketches and other images; shrinking, enlarging and re-arranging to create unique prints on unusual paper stocks. Over the years he’s sent hundreds of the homemade cards to friends, family and colleagues. Even his business card is a postcard.

“Postcards to Save the Post Office” is a natural extension of Kramer’s love for hard-copy mail. He doesn’t own a computer and has never sent an email. Everything about the traditional mailing process – writing, buying stamps, receiving mail – brings him joy. This is his way of paying back.

“How are we going to save the Post Office except by using it and buying stamps?” he told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “Think of all these wonderful people who walk all over town delivering mail. You gotta help them.”

What type of homemade cards would you like to see? Comment here.