Honoring the Artist: Peter Max

The work of this week's cover artist, Peter Max, is particularly suited to the July 4 holiday. Who can forget his previous colorful limited editions featuring close-ups of the Statute of Liberty and the American flag? No matter what our political persuasion, the images are joyful and upbeat.

Peter Max in 2007 Via Max Inc.

The same holds true for Max's other iconic works, like the Mona Lisa, and his posters for the "Summer of Love" featured in a recent exhibit at the Whitney Museum. The later work recalls Art Nouveau design, while other pieces he has created through the years have been called Pop Art and Neo-expressionism.

Max's diversity is also reflected in his use of media, which has included watercolor, video, etchings, serigraphs, ceramics, sculpture and anything else that's possible. Such variety and energetic creativity define Max as the following conversation proves.

Q: What did you do today?

A: I usually come into work late, around 12 or 1 p.m. I came in closer to one today. I then painted for almost three hours. Then I met my wife who wanted me to see something. Then people showed up who had donated money to a favorite charity.

Q: I take it this is a pretty typical day. Do you paint everyday?

A: Yes. I work on multiples, limited editions, or completely new things which are spontaneous. Sometimes people are watching me paint. I have a huge workspace - 25,000 square feet. I also have 150 people working for me.

Q: You have said these works are spontaneous.

A: Yes, but I don't want to know how they will turn out.

Q: Let's get back to the favorite charity. What is it?

A: Charities involved in animal rights. I have been committed to this for a long time. Animals are like us; they have feelings, and we treat them terribly. We use animals like silverware.

Q: Where did your love of animals come from? Did you have pets when you were growing up?

A: Yes I did. I have a cat named Gigi now. When I get up in the morning, there she is, looking at me. She's just a sweetheart.

Q: What else do you care about?

A: Astronomy. I am a great fan of astronomical information. Did you know that there are 100 million suns in our galaxy? It's mind-boggling.

Q: How did you get involved in this? Did it start when you were young?

A: My parents took a place in Tibet for seven months when I was six or seven years old. There was an old man who would talk to me about astronomy everyday.

Q: It was fate that you met him.

A: It was beyond belief.

Q: What advice would you give to young artists?

A: I am always willing to give information to artists. I would tell them to be relaxed about their work. The more relaxed, the faster you grow.

- Marion Wolberg Weiss

Max's work can be seen on a variety of websites including http://galleries.absolutearts.com

Back to Contents