Patti Smith by photographer Annie Leibovitz appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone in 1978
I have this picture (a very small postcard sized version) in a crude frame hanging in my hallway. I’ve spent countless years quizzing guests who have come to my home about who they think this is, more often than not most people don’t have a clue who it is. A few (and I mean a few… they know who they are) got it right first time.
I find it strange as someone so well-known can still be on the fringes of our modern society, yet totally enthral the ones who do take notice.
I was very lucky recently to see her perform and read from her new book “Just Kids
Her humour, warmth and love she emanates profoundly affected me in a way I’m still coming to terms with.
Reading all about the love, joy, pain and loss in her life, sharply brings to focus what an incredible inspiration she is and has been in my life for the last 30 years.
Her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe is a joy to read and makes you realise what they both did for their “art”. Her as a writer, poet, singer and artist. Him as a photographer, often pushing many boundaries in both their work.
Most of the time they were together, penniless yet together looking after/out for each other, the sense of watching each other’s backs and the genuine love they had is heartwarming.
Just Kids Book Review
Patti Smith Gig Review

A beautiful Robert Mapplethorpe

The other day I was checking out some images of Robert and Patti for this blog and there it was.. the pic from my living room wall Robert Mapplethorpe’s image of a woman  ( I just love my crappy picture postcard sized badly framed photos that I have) I’m so uncool as to not know who it was… as I’ve had this picture for eons (It’s Lisa Lyon)
This is provocative as it pushes the boundaries of what a woman is, I’m not into the huge physiques that some of the more recent bodybuilders have, but this represents power and femininity to me and I’ve loved this photograph for a very long time. All art is subjective and what you get from it is uniquely your own, my tastes have no taste as I can’t define what I like I just like it.
Good article about Patti/Robert
I’ve seen many things over the years and the culmination of finally getting to see Patti and hearing her first hand, It’s great to have clear defining moments in my life where things unfold in unexpected ways.
Synchronistic events and intuitive flashes that I’m trusting so much more help me to understand why and what I’m doing and I’m now having more of an inkling of the way forward, it has helped me tremendously.
Another book I adore right now is Sonia Miller’s “The Attraction Distraction” ( I devour books on literature, poetry, biography and spirituality with wild abandon)
This has shaped how I see myself as working with my mind, ego, heart and my soul altogether (terrifies me but I’m delving in – risky but I know it’s gonna be an adventure) Staying true to myself is my number one priority (along with feeling good as often as I can)
Happiness is a huge part of what I’m about.
The title is terrible, but that’s the only fault I can give this book. I adore Sonia Miller, she has a depth and warmth in her writing and you know she’s gone through it all. It has spun me round and helped me dig that bit deeper, I’m putting together some of what she’s suggested and it literally is making my life better by the minute.
I’m working on my therapy website (Vortex Therapy – Aromatherapy, Reiki & Massage and some nice goodies to sell) at the moment as I’ve some good ideas to move forward with.
Exciting times indeed
Spring 2010