“I'm certain, as we filled down the great staircase, that I appeared the same as ever, a moping twelve years-old, all arms and legs. But secretly I knew I had been transformed, moved by the revelation that human beings create art, that to be an artist was to see what others could not.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Patti Smith, she reflects on a moment in her childhood where she realizes the power and importance of art. Despite her outward appearance as a typical twelve-year-old, she feels an internal transformation after understanding that artists have a unique way of seeing the world. This realization ignites a passion within her and opens her eyes to the possibilities of creativity and expression.
Relevance in the Digital Age
In this quote, Patti Smith reflects on the transformative power of art and the realization that being an artist means seeing the world in a unique way. In today's digital age, where everyone has the opportunity to create and share their own art through social media and online platforms, this quote serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing creativity and expressing oneself authentically. It highlights the significance of art in shaping our identity and understanding of the world around us.
Patti Smith on the transformative power of art
“I'm certain, as we filled down the great staircase, that I appeared the same as ever, a moping twelve years-old, all arms and legs. But secretly I knew I had been transformed, moved by the revelation that human beings create art, that to be an artist was to see what others could not.” - Patti Smith.
Reflection Questions
Upon reading this quote by Patti Smith, it's clear that she experienced a pivotal moment in her life where she discovered the power of art and creativity. Here are some reflection questions for you to consider with regards to this quote:
- Have you ever had a moment where you felt transformed or moved by a particular experience or realization?
- How do you define the role of an artist in society? Do you agree with Patti Smith's perspective on what it means to be an artist?
- What do you think it means to "see what others could not" as an artist? How can this perspective be applied to other aspects of life?
- In what ways has art or creativity influenced your own life? Have you ever felt inspired or changed by a particular piece of art or creative expression?
- How can we cultivate a greater appreciation for art and creativity in our daily lives, and how can we support and encourage the next generation of artists and creators?
Similar quotes
“But secretly I knew I had been transformed, moved by the revalation that human beings create art, that to be an artist was to see what others could not.”
“In my low periods, I wondered what was the point of creating art. For whom? Are we animating God? Are we talking to ourselves? And what was the ultimate goal? To have one's work caged in art's great zoos - the Modern, the Met, the Louvre?”
“An artist is somebody who enters into competition with God. The guy who built the Tower of Babel was the first artist. If I had to check out where I was in other centuries, I was his old lady. If I wasn't the guy, I was his chick. He knew that there was more and God got jealous. Even gods get uptight. Women make gods uptight. Everyone thinks of God as a man -- you can't help it -- Santa Claus was a man, therefore God has to be a man. But a man comes once. A woman never stops coming.”
“Patti, did art get us?' I looked away, not really wanting to think about it. 'I don't know, Robert. I don't know.' Perhaps it did, but no one could regret that. Only a fool would regret being had by art; or a saint.”
“I had no proof that I had the stuff to be an artist, though I hungered to be one.”
“When we got to the part where we had to improvise an argument in a poetic language, I got cold feet. "I can't do this," I said. "I don't know what to say.""Say anything," he said. "You can't make a mistake when you improvise.""What if I mess it up? What if I screw up the rhythm?""You can't," he said. "It's like drumming. If you miss a beat, you create another."In this simple exchange, Sam taught me the secret of improvisation, one that I have accessed my whole life.”