I find that I am very selective when it comes to reading books. I tend to go for the gripping biographies of troubled souls or glamorous tales of the high society of the 1930's and their frivolous antics and so when I came across Just Kids by Patti Smith I soon come to realise that it was right up my street. It is a tale of passion, devotion and a search for self discovery. Both Patti (Smith) and Robert (Mapplethorpe) are equally devoted to both their art and each other and it is this devotion which sees them through the struggles of their path to self discovery within themselves and their art forms. It is a truly inspiring tale proving that no matter how rough times get there are still means and ways of realising dreams and ambitions and allowing creativity and emotions to take over. Armed with their tools, side by side, they embraced seventies' NYC with starry eyes and grew through their path of self discovery, final destination, fame. Their bohemian life style was one to envy. Though they had little money, this drove them and pushed the boundaries of their art forms through the necessity to create art with the little materials they had. Not only was this way of working used in their art but also they way in which they lived, breathed and slept. Surrounding themselves with their idols and other creatives they lived through their art and their curiosity of others techniques and skills. Though their wardrobes where small, their outfits where always as carefully considered as all of their creative choices. Their boho-rocker individual styles where heavily influenced by their lifestyle and expressive natures allowing them to use themselves as a canvas and inspire each other in their choices.
I was very much moved by this beautiful story and extremely inspired by their devotion to their art and each other. It is inspiring to see that if you have a dream, no matter what life throws at you, keep dreaming and if you work hard enough your dreams will eventually become a reality.
