A writer or any artist cant 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 its your calling.But its beautiful to be embraced by the people.Some people have said to me, Well, dont you think that kind of success spoils one as an artist? If youre a punk rocker, you dont want to have a hit recordAnd 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 dont 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. Dont make compromises. Dont 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.
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About Patti Smith
Patti Smith was a contemporary American singer, songwriter, poet, painter, author and photographer. Patricia Lee Smith is an American singer, songwriter, poet, painter, author, and photographer. Her 1975 debut album Horses made her an influential member of the New York City–based punk rock movement. Read more on Wikipedia →
Themes
- Art — Creativity, expression, and the role of art in society
- Creativity — The spark of original thought, invention, and artistic vision