"My guitar is not a thing. It is an extension of myself. It is who I am"
- Joan Jett
About this Quote
For Joan Jett, the guitar is inseparable from her identity. She does not simply play the instrument as a hobby or tool; instead, her guitar becomes a living extension of her thoughts, emotions, and creative spirit. The line drawn between self and object, between artist and instrument, vanishes as she breathes life into her guitar. Each chord, riff, and note is not merely a technical sequence, but an intimate piece of Joan radiating outward to the world.
Describing the guitar as “not a thing” challenges the notion that musical instruments are solely physical objects. For many musicians, instruments transcend their material form, embodying memories, dreams, and the very essence of their life’s work. Joan Jett’s statement underscores the deeply personal relationship musicians often develop. The instrument becomes a confidant, a means of expression too complex or raw for words alone. The guitar, in her hands, channels identity, rebellion, vulnerability, and power.
By declaring the guitar is who she is, Joan reveals her artistry is not an act she performs, but an existence she inhabits. Her sense of self becomes intertwined with the music she creates. The instrument shapes her persona, voice, and even the energy she projects to an audience. Through the guitar, she finds her true self and communicates authentically, forging a direct connection with listeners. The boundaries between creator, creation, and conduit dissolve, suggesting that true artistry demands such immersion.
Joan Jett’s words ultimately reflect how art can define us as much as we define art. It is a relationship of mutual transformation: the guitar helps her become herself, and in turn, her individuality breathes new life into her instrument. Together, they form a singular, inseparable force, demonstrating how identity and passion can be fused through creative pursuits.
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