Writing an artist statement can be a challenging process. When you operate in a visual field, trying to explain your work in words can feel like an unnecessary burden. However, if you want to advance as an artist, you’ll need a strong artist statement. Furthermore, it is a wonderful time to reflect on your practice, recognise the worth of your work, and address any issues.
What is an Artist Statement?
An artist statement is a short sentence that, in the artist’s own words, provides insight into the artist and their work. It should provide a clear knowledge of the artwork in question while also adding to the viewer’s enjoyment. The artist statement serves a variety of objectives, including working with galleries, applying for financing, residencies, and other professional opportunities. If you have a website, an artist statement can be an excellent marketing tool for explaining the unique characteristics of your work to potential consumers.
What to Include?
It’s critical to be as concise as possible while drafting an artist statement. Don’t overcomplicate things! Each sentence should explain its own notion in plain terms. The tone and style of the writing should be personal to you, but there are some fundamental content guidelines to follow. The what, how, and why are the three key parts that make up the great artist statement.
What: What exactly do you create? The goal, whether it’s a figurative sculpture or short weather films, is to be particular. This is the statement’s hook, so be sure to get right to the point. Here you should describe your work’s medium, main themes and concepts, and a quick description of how it looks and feels.
How: This is where you begin your procedure. You’ll discuss the materials you utilise, how you conduct your study, and any other distinctive aspects, such as collaborating with others or working in the public sphere, in this section. This part could be used to provide an example of your work that exemplifies what you’ve said so far, something that incorporates your main themes and resources.
Why: The ‘why’ is frequently the most difficult question to answer, so take the time to consider your work and the motivations behind it. Include one or two sentences describing your influences and why they inspire you, as well as who your target audience is and what you hope to accomplish with your work.
Tips for Getting Started
It’s sometimes wise to ease your way towards a smooth and professional remark by doing a few exercises first. First, take a look at your portfolio and pay close attention to the job you’ve done. Now try some of the following:
1. Pretend you’re a stranger looking at your art at a gallery. What effect do they have on you? Is your artwork conveying the message you intended? Make a list of your ideas in a notepad. Although an artist’s goal may have minimal impact on the viewer’s interpretation, a strong artist statement can assist nudge your audience in the correct way, so pay attention to the spectrum of emotions your work elicits.
2. What adjectives come to mind when you look at your work? Make a list of these options so you may choose from them later.
3. Take a video of yourself. Having a casual talk with a friend about your work. We are typically more honest about our goals when we are not under pressure to appear intelligent. It’s incredible what these casual conversations may disclose. Transcribe the audio and see what you can find.
4. Write an artist statement for you with the help of someone who knows your work. Getting a different perspective can be enlightening and refreshing, and it can also help you expand your own perception.
Biggest Do’s & Don’ts
DO’S
- DO be judicious with your words. Consider sentence construction to be a game of jenga in which the goal is to eliminate any unnecessary words while maintaining the sentence’s main idea. After you’ve finished the first draught, read each sentence aloud and make any necessary changes.
- DO Understand what you’re talking to. When writing, it’s helpful to have someone in mind. A statement written for a local community project, for instance, will have a different tone than one written for a commercial gallery.
- DO Be truthful. Make sure your artwork and artist statement are complementary. Say anything if you’re experimenting or trying anything new in your job.
- DO Keep it short and sweet. Your artist statement should be 150-300 words in length. Being succinct demonstrates that you are confident in your knowledge of your work.
- DO Inquire about comments. Check for mistakes and get feedback from friends, family, and teachers. But, most importantly, give them plenty of notice — no one like being forced to fulfil duties at the last minute.
DON’TS
- Don’t use sentences like “I am passionate about…” or “My art excites me…” instead. This is self-evident; you wouldn’t be making it if you weren’t passionate about it.
- DON’T INCLUDE ANY INFORMATION THAT IS NOT REQUIRED. This covers information on the author’s life. Delete anything that isn’t directly relevant to your artwork.
- DON’T be a cliche. You, the artist, are represented by your artist statement. Be as descriptive as possible, as it should reflect your distinct personality, hobbies, and goals.
- DON’T EVER EVER EVER EVER. Try “My work reveals the beauty in every day” instead of “Through my art, I hope to reveal the beauty in every day.” If you’re not confident in your work, neither will your reader.
- DON’T TALK IN JARGON. Art theory has a place in the world of art, but not in your artist statement. Your text should clarify rather than obscure your effort. Leave the formulaic jargon to the reviewers and use language that clearly articulates your work!
