Patti Smith Quotes

As an artist, everybody has the opportunity to celebrate and speak their truth.

I used to tell everyone I met to be an artist..... I don't do that any more.

Draw a line; draw a line that pleases you. And remember that it is not the artist's role to copy the outlines of things but to create a world of his own lines on paper." (pp.28-29)

Great art can only be created out of love.

Be the artist you were born to be.

The great artist takes what he needs.

Artists are all giving so much of ourselves to the work and the people and the press and the media and Twitter and all that now. For me, being able to create from a genuine place is really difficult lately because there's so much going on all the time, but when all that stuff gets quiet, you can explore your ideas without any ego or mental chatter.

In a lot of the art world, you have to present yourself as you know what you're doing at a young age. Music gave me another outlet. The 'no wave' bands were such an inspiration; it felt so free - once you start doing it, it's hard to stop. But I can't get away from art. It comes back around. I wouldn't be true to myself if I didn't pursue it.

I dream of painting and then I paint my dream.

The only thing in life that really gives me any peace is just being lost in the process of creating something, whether it's the film or painting and drawing, which has been a big part of my life, for a long time.

I am not attempting to preserve culture, or record actual events or stories. Instead I bow my head in gratitude to those storytellers who have gone before and paved a way for me play in their stomping grounds. Doubtless those who want to be offended, will - allowing me to make them happy, too, which pleases me as much as it pleases them.

Making art has never been a mystery to me. It's never been something that's very difficult.

Well, painting is the one thing I do, that is just me. It's me and easels, and the pencils. And as long as I don't drool too much over the canvas, the colors come out pretty good. And it's a chance to express all that I've got inside, that I sometimes keep hidden. And I think that's why I paint big broad, wide open landscapes.

My mum is an artist and very into creative expression and freedom.

Controversy is part of the nature of art and creativity.

When you are older, you realise that everything else is just nothing compared to painting and drawing.

I think art is inherently nonviolent and it actually occupies your mind with creation rather than destruction.

The artist is the medium between his fantasies and the rest of the world.

Artists today think of everything they do as a work of art. It is important to forget about what you are doing - then a work of art may happen.

All good art is an indiscretion.

There are times when I've inhaled my work. There are artworks still inside of me.

I feel fiery in my life. I feel fiery in my art.

My capacity for wanting to create has never faltered. If anything, it's gained momentum.

I'm focused on creating art and whichever outlet it can get out in.

Gutzon Borglum, the individual, is nothing. Art, expression, freedom are everything. On this I stand or fall.