Ode to Friendship
This photo of musician Patti Smith and her friend fashion designer Ann Demeulemeester came in a magazine this week and made me mindful again of the great synergy that emerges when artists meet, no matter the differences in medium. I love this photo. They have been friends for ten years after Ann sent Patti a t-shirt she’d designed. Patti was living in Detroit then, raising her children and was isolated from a bigger artistic life. We artists don’t fit all that well into the corners of everyday life or community—so much of our energy is devoted to the worlds we’re busy creating. And we like it that way. We don’t so much choose it, I think, but feel chosen for it. It’s what we do.
Patti and Ann are sitting outside at Cafe de Flore where Simone de Beauvoir once sat with Sartre. I like how young they look at sixty and how rough and real. I like that the tradition continues in Paris with artists meeting in public spaces. Two other friends, Picasso and Matisse met in Paris cafes too.
The artist’s life is a brave one, isn’t it? It’s so far out on the limb of the unknown. It takes so much faith and clarity of vision. It takes strength to stay the course especially when it seems, as it often does, that the world does not support us in our work. We are still supporting the world and each other as artists just by showing up day after day and doing the work. What would a world without art or fashion or fine buildings be? Or a great book, a good laugh, a song? Or a garden? Or all the things that people make into art—all the caring work. However winding the paths of friendship, I cherish beyond measure what I’ve found with artists who are devoting their whole lives to the cause. It can be the place where we get sustenance for the onward journey and have the kind of laugh you only get when you step out onto the edge of life and into its wonders. So—cheers!
August 19th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Dear Caddy,
I loved this picture, too! It really does convey so much more than just friendship,
because there’s a questioning, an energy, and that sense of restlessness that has powered
these two women forward over the years. As you say it’s not simply about a back-slapping
good time (although it could include that). It’s about the continual curiosity of the
inquiring mind. These two aren’t about to give up being artists and rest on their laurels.
(I’d write more but this window won’t allow me to see the ends of the lines I’m writing)
Love your site.
Allan
August 19th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
sister, friend, it’s so true. You know, I’ve felt that inquiring energy, that seeking whenever I’ve had the good fortune to spend some time with you and your Allan. Wish we could do it more, but so good to be able to check in on the process from afar through our blogs. I’m here with my morning java, loving it all. xo.
August 19th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Well, thank you, my Dear A, for pointing out that restlessness can be a fine thing!
And, Kelly, my friend, may we have many more meetings in time. And love that we can follow along from afar!
August 19th, 2007 at 10:55 pm
It’s the sharing, the unspoken, the not needing to fill up the quiet spaces with words.
To keep one’s sense of self intact in a world that entices you to conform. I love this statement that was made my Rudyard Kipling:
“The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. To be your own man is hard business. If you try it you will be lonely often,and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.”
August 19th, 2007 at 11:13 pm
Yeah, well put. Thanks for sharing this great Kipling quote, Debra! I love it.
August 20th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
mdf, you make it sound so heroic! And here’s to those who wear their hearts on their sleeves and their necks on the block. Bless’em.
Mainstream life seems like a parallel universe to me when I venture past the Tamar,(the river that separates England from the rest of Cornwall). There are scores of artists down here in Pz and St Ives and we blend really well amongst the locals who are bizzarre enough as it is, even by Hogwart standards. All I know is that artists are born artists and they die artists. What they do in between is art….even if it’s ‘bad art’. I think the secret is to be a good person. Good things will happen. Keep the faith…
Kx
August 21st, 2007 at 3:30 am
Here’s to Penzance! mdf—you are funny! Wish you weren’t so far away…
August 22nd, 2007 at 7:01 pm
[...] Cathy Bennett eloquently writes about an artist’s life. Her words ring so true to me. We create art because we have to; it is as natural to us as breathing. [...]
August 22nd, 2007 at 11:06 pm
The above is from Debra Bures’s beautiful site. Thanks, Debra!
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:58 pm
You’re welcome. Thanks for writing it!
September 3rd, 2007 at 3:12 pm
I loved this photo when I first saw it and am glad to see it again. It’s amazing all the thoughts and ideas a simple, single image can and will convey, isn’t it?