Quotes by Patti Smith
An artist may have burdens the ordinary citizen doesn't know, but the ordinary citizen has burdens that many artists never even touch.
What I say should always be prefaced with this: I'm not really politically articulate. I just try to be like Thomas Paine: what is common sense? So when I say these things to you, I am speaking from a humanist point of view. I just look around and see what's wrong.
There are so many great 19th-century photographers, and it's really my favorite period, but the amateurs did such beautiful work.
I know I'm a strong performer. I'm not an evolved musician.
Well, I'm not one of those people who needs the limelight. If I'm performing, that's what I'm doing. If I'm not, I don't long for it. I don't need the approval of an audience, or applause.
My sunglasses are like my guitar.
Let's just say that I think any person who aspires, presumes, or feels the calling to be an artist has a built-in sense of duty.
I didn't begin my life in 1975 with 'Horses.' I recorded 'Horses' in 1975, but was drawing in Paris in 1969.
I don't stay in one discipline because it's more lucrative than another. In fact, the most successful thing I ever did was 'Just Kids,' for which I had absolutely no expectations.
Mohammed personally mapped out seven heavens. If he got to seven, you know there's more.
