Patti Smith - a rock n roll legend, but also a WRITER - much more so than let’s say Slash or Nikki Sixx is a writer. That’s not to say that “Slash” or “The Dirt” weren’t extremely entertaining or inspirational on some level but… “Just Kids” was the kind of book that really inspired me in a different way.  It didn’t so much make me dream of rock stardom in the most decadent way (sold out shows, heroin addiction, and sex orgies with your band mates), but rather something bigger - reading “Just Kids” felt like it opened me up to a road that either was, is, or will be, what can only be described as a creative “religious experience”.  

     She’s so well versed in the arts that I felt intimidated even reading her opinions on art/artists because I had no clue what she was talking about.  Of course, this was a great thing because it forced me to learn what she was talking about. Her infatuation and devotion to art, combined with the setting of the book - 1960s/70s New York City in the midst of an exciting and revolutionary time - made me love the city and made me excited to want to create more/different art (besides music) in hopes that I could express myself in some other way and also challenge myself to learn. I never knew that was possible or at least never was open to the possibility.

And now…I’m on a creative high.

Excited about new projects I want to undertake.

Painted my first painting and now on to #2.

Thanks Patti.