I have admired the work of artist Peter Max since the 1960’s. During the ’70’s he did many art pieces that had a patriotic theme. Including Statue of Liberty and Flag With Heart. He also teamed up with Lea Iacocca in the fund raising for restoration of the Statue of Liberty.
Following 911 he created many pieces and donated proceeds to the Twin Towers and Survivors Relief Fund. In a labor of love, he created portraits of the 356 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, individually wrapped them in U.S. flags and presenting them to each firefighter’s family.
Over the years as our Journeys would involve a cruise, I always enjoyed going to the art auctions. Many artists works would be on display but Peter Max has always been my favorite. I enjoy talking with the auctioneers about my love of his work and my one connection with his art.
About 14 years ago, friends of our son were getting married in St. John, Virgin Islands. Carol and I were asked to photograph their wedding. We arrived the day before the wedding and made our way to the house the bride’s family had rented for their stay. I was talking with the bride’s mother as we walked into the house. And there on every wall were huge Peter Max paintings.
I remarked to her that “Whoever owns this house really loves Peter Max”. Her reply, “This is his house”. While making his full time home in New York, Max enjoyed the beauty of the Islands and spent part of his time there, but also made the home available on the vacation rental market. So there I was, standing in the home and in front of original art by one of the art masters of our time.
During our Cruise on the Carnival Breeze last fall I had the opportunity to share my stories and interest with some of the great Park West Gallery employees. On the last evening of the cruise, I decided to purchase a serigraph, hand signed by Max. I knew it would take awhile for it to arrive and on Valentine’s Day 2020, I received Flag With Heart.
At that time we were preparing for Carol’s knee surgery the next month, which was followed by the pandemic quarantine. So it had yet to be placed on the wall…till today, July 4, 2020. I knew this would be the day to put this in its place of honor, across from my easy chair where I can admire it every day.