Patti Smith - "Just Kids"

As part of an ongoing series exploring the relationship between photography and literature, this collection has taken direct inspiration from Patti Smith’s memoir “Just Kids.” A single turning point in her life which marked the transition of a meandering factory worker from New Jersey with aspirations to become an artist in New York City, Patti writes a poignantly detailed account of boarding the bus that started it all. Although my journey was not quite as dramatic, I distinctly recall leaving an interview for a corporate sales position at around the same age she was in this part of her story, and realizing I was never going to pursue that path, instead choosing to apply to art school. Patti really put it all on the line, I can’t imagine the courage it took her to show up in such an overwhelming city with no money, no job, and no place to stay. It was this same attitude that eventually came out in her music, after a few years of odd jobs and developing her voice through writing and illustration first. Having seen Patti perform live a few years ago and continuing to be astounded at her ability to keep going all these years later is a constant inspiration to keep creating at times we feel stuck in our routines or pressured by external factors to find alternative paths in our work.