"I promised Robert the day before he died that I would write our story. It took me 20 years, but I kept my promise" ~ Patti Smith
So, I know I'm way late in the game and everyone already read Patti Smith's 'Just Kids' a few years ago...but wow, what a great book. A friend of mine gave it to me for Christmas along with a sweet letter telling me that since he met me, I always gave off a very 'Patti Smith vibe' showing through in my style and overall demeanor. I obviously took that as a compliment, and much more so now after reading her thoughts throughout so many amazing experiences of her life after meeting her soul mate Robert Mapplethorpe. (how I wish I could have lived through the 60's and 70's ...
'the time that had magic', as they said).
I finished the book last night and am inspired in different ways....in a creative sense, to take more chances, to nurture and understand more. While I loved reading about the iconic musicians and artists Patti and Robert befriended and crossed paths with along their road to fame, from Hendrix to Warhol, it was the love story between them that intrigued me the most. The unique bond they shared, evolving from young lovers to best friends through what seemed like unending hard times of struggle living the life of poor artists - but always remaining gentle, supportive and encouraging with one another is what stuck with me the most. There was never a hint of jealousy between them, only a pure love believing in each others talents and wanting the other to succeed. Living together in a room so small they could only fit a twin bed, leaving possessions behind that they simply had no space for...nothing mattered except their portfolios of art work, photography and poetry. The connection between Patti and Robert, the "artist of her life", was apparent, intense and powerful to all those who encountered them. Even Fred 'Sonic' Smith (the man who became Patti's husband) said during one of Robert's last photo sessions of her..."I don't know how he does it, but all of his photographs of you, look like him." I loved that quote. It's like when best friends that are completely opposite in appearance start to look like each other just because of chemistry that cannot be explained....
"We woke up knowing we were no longer alone"
So, I know I'm way late in the game and everyone already read Patti Smith's 'Just Kids' a few years ago...but wow, what a great book. A friend of mine gave it to me for Christmas along with a sweet letter telling me that since he met me, I always gave off a very 'Patti Smith vibe' showing through in my style and overall demeanor. I obviously took that as a compliment, and much more so now after reading her thoughts throughout so many amazing experiences of her life after meeting her soul mate Robert Mapplethorpe. (how I wish I could have lived through the 60's and 70's ...
'the time that had magic', as they said).
I finished the book last night and am inspired in different ways....in a creative sense, to take more chances, to nurture and understand more. While I loved reading about the iconic musicians and artists Patti and Robert befriended and crossed paths with along their road to fame, from Hendrix to Warhol, it was the love story between them that intrigued me the most. The unique bond they shared, evolving from young lovers to best friends through what seemed like unending hard times of struggle living the life of poor artists - but always remaining gentle, supportive and encouraging with one another is what stuck with me the most. There was never a hint of jealousy between them, only a pure love believing in each others talents and wanting the other to succeed. Living together in a room so small they could only fit a twin bed, leaving possessions behind that they simply had no space for...nothing mattered except their portfolios of art work, photography and poetry. The connection between Patti and Robert, the "artist of her life", was apparent, intense and powerful to all those who encountered them. Even Fred 'Sonic' Smith (the man who became Patti's husband) said during one of Robert's last photo sessions of her..."I don't know how he does it, but all of his photographs of you, look like him." I loved that quote. It's like when best friends that are completely opposite in appearance start to look like each other just because of chemistry that cannot be explained....
"We woke up knowing we were no longer alone"
I haven't read this but I am feeling so inspired by what you wrote. Those quotes are just....so moving. I think I need to give this a read for sure.
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