Patti Smith’s advice to young artists
A writer or any artist can’t expect to be embraced by the people. I’ve done records where it seemed like no one listened to them. You write poetry books that maybe 50 people read. And you just keep doing your work because you have to, because it’s your calling.
But it’s beautiful to be embraced by the people.
Some people have said to me, “Well, don’t you think that kind of success spoils one as an artist? If you’re a punk rocker, you don’t want to have a hit record…”
And I say to them, “Fuck you!”
One does their work for the people. And the more people you can touch, the more wonderful it is. You don’t do your work and say, “I only want the cool people to read it.” You want everyone to be transported, or hopefully inspired by it.
When I was really young, William Burroughs told me, “Build a good name. Keep your name clean. Don’t make compromises. Don’t worry about making a bunch of money or being successful. Be concerned with doing good work. And make the right choices and protect your work. And if you can build a good name, eventually that name will be its own currency.”
So, so good.
Patti Smith, I love you forever.
One of my all time favorite authors just revealed the cover for the last book in her series and I may have teared up and then been tempted to hug my computer screen when I saw it because this series means that much to me and that cover is just so perfect.
Rory’s like ‘no dad, don’t embarrass me in front of The Doctor’
A Mom of a Boy wouldn’t be shocked by this. Even if said in the grocery store. To the checkout guy.
(Source: dunderklumpen)