Artistic Quote by Anne Waldman
“I think of my father growing up in South Jersey, the son of second-generation German immigrant glassblowers. The opportunities for him of feeling that aspiration, that yearning, get out of the small town, connect to a larger world, get yourself to New York, wanting to play the piano at every opportunity, bonding with people who were on a similar path, ending up in Provincetown, which was kind of nexus for nonconformity, and artistic dropout reality.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Interview with Anne Waldman, 2015
A reflection on immigrant heritage, aspirations, and finding artistic community beyond small-town limits.
In simple terms: Immigrant roots inspire a quest for broader horizons and creative belonging.
Key Takeaway
Seek connections that expand your world.
Themes
identity
migration
artistic community
aspiration
nonconformity
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
Type
personal
narrative
When to use this quote
- career development
- artistic collaboration
- personal growth
- relocating for opportunity
Key Concepts
cultural heritage
creative pursuit
urban migration
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your background shape your creative path?
- What communities help you feel larger than your origins?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may romanticize migration, overlooking systemic barriers.
![“We pride ourselves at Natrona - I mean, pride {ironically] - on developing a noncompetitive community. That's very important. The values that can come from that kind of meditative work combined with the creative work you do, combined with your activism, can come together.” quote by Anne Waldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/392/anne-waldman-4046_activism_we-pride-ourselves-at-natrona-i-mean-pri_100312.jpg)
![“I had parents who were attentive to what was going on politically. There was the Greek connection, a sense of a larger world. People coming in from abroad. There was a sense of community around ideas: a discourse and an adhesiveness which is my favorite word from [Walt] Whitman.” quote by Anne Waldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d65/anne-waldman-4046_community_i-had-parents-who-were-attentive-to-what_388144.jpg)
![“I think anything that gets people outside [is good] - I'm a big supporter of public parks and public spaces.” quote by Anne Waldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ff5/anne-waldman-4046_beach_i-think-anything-that-gets-people-outsid_460472.jpg)
