Sometimes life gives you opportunities that you just have to take and that is what happened to me just over 3 years ago. I was a struggling artist and my daughter had just been born, and I was already looking to get a ‘normal’ job which would put us in a more stable position. As any new dad will know, your priorities can change pretty quickly. I began working part time at a hotel and one fateful afternoon I got talking to a guy who was staying there, how happened to be one of the agents who was working with the brilliant artist Peter Max. I knew this before I met him and just knew that I had to speak to him, after dinner one night I stole a minute with him and told him who I was and could he pass some of my artwork on to Peter. I knew that this could’ve cost me my job at the hotel, but I had to try, the rest as they say, was history.
Phone Call
It wasn’t until a week later that I got a call from an unknown number on my cell and to be honest I had already given up hope of anything happening. I answered the phone and I was blown away as the man on the other end introduced himself as the one and only Peter Max. During a short conversation he asked me what I was looking to get out of art, and why I wanted to do it as a career. I told him that I wasn’t looking for millions or worldwide fame, just to be noticed and to get paid enough to support my family. Peter abruptly said thanks and hung up the phone, I thought I must have said something wrong.
The Next Day
I was feeling pretty bummed out the next day when I received an invite on Facebook to a local gallery where Peter was putting on an event. I didn’t know who the invitation came from, but I went anyone, after all what harm could it do?
The Gallery
When I walked into the event I instantly saw Peter over the other side of the room holding court with 5 or 6 people, and he raised his arm and beckoned me over. He then proceeded to introduce me to the crowd as a rising and very talented artist who very soon would have their own exhibition, I was left speechless. When the people dispersed Peter told me that he had seen my artwork from his agent and he was very impressed with what he saw. I used the phone call which we had to see if I was really in this for the right reasons, and then he talked me through how he was was going to help. The following weeks were incredible and Peter was kind enough to let me use his gallery and put me in touch with many people in the industry.
The last 3 years have been a rollercoaster and thankfully I never had to get that ‘normal’ job, all thanks to taking a chance, and meeting an inspirational man.
2018 ·
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