Dear Shaded Viewers,
William Blake went through his whole life a master printer, a great philosopher, an activist, in his lifetime he never had any success. He was a victim of the industrial revolution, people were not interested in his hands on art. His work was nearly forgotten except for the poet,Yeates who in 1927 revived his work. Patti talked about a time when Mapplethorpe had not eaten for 24 hours , hands shaking, but he did his work. "All the things that exite or interest us, in the end it is the work that endures and this song is a salute to the struggle of the artist." "Throw off this stupid cloak, embrace all that you fear, joy will conquer all despair in my Blakian years."
What a beautiful and generous woman Patti Smith is and thanks to Grand Palais we all had the opportunity to hear and enjoy her. This is very low-fi but Patti's voice rings out.
Later,
Diane
