PATTI SMITH

Last week we went to hear Patti Smith talk at the MFA.  This is the Evening with Creative Minds: The Ruth and Carl J Shapiro Celebrity Lecture series and it definately was that.  The title of her talk is Kidding Around with Patti Smith.  And she is a joy to hear...as she read to us, sang to us, told us stories, made us laugh and answer all our curious questions in to short a time.  I never really knew her music until now but it was her book Just Kids that got my attention.  This 2010 National Book Award winner is about her friendship with fellow artist Robert Mapplethorpe and their early years in New York City of the 1970s.  Her writing is sensational and poetic and a must read (and has pictures - we visual artists love that).  She is a must to go hear... anywhere!  As an artist she reminded us that night that it is about the work, the process, the vision are what matters not the sales.  We can do anything to earn a living but no matter what we have to do to make money we are always an artist.  I am a new fan of this amazing artist.