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Painting the hull of a ship as massive as Norwegian Breakaway is a dream that Peter Max says, “I would have never even dared to dream.” As a young boy, Max traveled the world with his family by boat and formed a deep personal connection with the ocean; therefore, he says the opportunity to showcase his work on the side of a massive cruise ship is “truly unbelievable.”
Prior to discovering his love of art, Max’s first passion was a love of the universe, planets and the solar system. It wasn’t until one of his childhood nannies taught him how to draw that he began experimenting with sketches and colors – a talent he quickly discovered came very naturally. As a result, he abandoned his original plan of becoming an astronomer to pursue a career in art, but pays homage to his first love by including the planets and solar system in much of his work, including Norwegian Breakaway.
Max says that when designing the hull of Norwegian Breakaway, he channeled his inner child to create a playful original piece that represents his past, his passions and New York City, his favorite city on Earth. Max was “filled with glee, and went out of his mind with excitement,” when he heard that Norwegian Breakaway would call New York City home. His deep connection and passion for the city goes beyond just being a resident. He has painted his signature Statue of Liberty design, another element included in the design for Norwegian Breakaway, for every United States President since Ronald Regan. And it was his original Statue of Liberty drawing for President Regan that led Max to lead the $375 million Statue of Liberty renovation project that culminated in 1982.
Max says he cannot wait to sail on board Norwegian Breakaway when she arrives to New York City in May 2013. He wishes he could hop on board, “my baby,” every weekend because he says “this is a ship who’s hull embodies the history of my life and all of my dreams.” When asked how he will feel the first time he sees Norwegian Breakaway sail down the Hudson River he replied, “I live on the west side of Manhattan, so I will have a front row seat, and I imagine I will be so overwhelmed that I might jump out and swim after it.”
Max has created many incredible works of art including a Boeing 777 for Continental Airlines, a US Postage Stamp and a mile-long stage at Woodstock, but considers Norwegian Breakaway his most exciting and rewarding work yet. He expresses deep gratitude and appreciation to Norwegian for giving him this “beyond incredible opportunity.”
