How to Write Artist Statement
The What!
🧐 What exactly is an Artist Statement?
When an artist clearly states what and why they create, is an Artist Statement!
An artist statement is a set of of sentences that describe your work and why you do it when talking to someone about your work in a way that enhances their viewing experience.
I recently finished my Artist Statement and am overjoyed. I'm excited to share all of my insider knowledge with you!
It's a lovely feeling to be more intentional and meaningful in your writing about your art. Sit with one of your works of art and follow along to self-reflect to create a draft that narrates your purpose, process, and philosophy for creating.
Consider the following scenario:
You're exhibiting your work at an art festival, and you're having a conversation with a collector -
Collector: “I love your art, tell me more about it!”
Artist: “Umm, I just love painting since I was a kid and just like to express myself through art”
Does that sound like a less-than-specific, nebulous, and undirected response?
Don't you want to be more specific about your art-making inspiration, process, and materials? Would you like to use your words to assist the viewer see something in your artwork that they might have missed?
If you answered YES, then continue reading!
The Why!
Why do you need an Artist Statement? 🧐
On your artist website
To apply for grants, juried shows, galleries, residencies
To submit for press release
To print on your show flyers
To feel confidant to talk about your art to anyone and everyone
The How!
How to write your Artist Statement? 🧐
Answer the following questions about your art using my guide! Remember to bring one of your pieces of art with you to help you brainstorm.
Have fun with your writing!
What do you want people to notice about your work?
Examples: The surface quality, Vibrant colorsWhat is the nature of your work?
Examples: Abstract, Realistic, Modern, Photo-realistic, FantasyWhat type of material do you use?
Examples: Oil paints, Acrylics, Color pencils, Digital drawing, Charcoal pencilsWhat feeling/emotion are you expressing?
Examples: Calm, Peace, Ease, Sadness, MelancholyDo you use Color, Line, Texture to convey that emotion?
What is your subject matter?
Examples: Still life, Portraiture, Animals, Landscapes, Abstract, FigurativeHow do you start a painting?
Color mixing, for example, is the first stage in any painting that I create.What is your unique process?
What is your inspiration?
For example, all of the brightly colored flowers and birds that surround me inspire me.What aspects of your work do other people find appealing?
The Don’ts!
Your Artist Statement is indeed NOT your childhood tale, your bio, your resume or CV, or a list of achievements.
It's simply a series of sentences that describe your art and process in order to help the viewer comprehend and connect with your work on a deeper level.
A rule of thumb is to keep your statement between 200 and 350 words long so that you can tailor it to the word count requirements of the opportunity you're pursuing.
Take this guideline and get started on your first draft right away, but don't forget to enjoy the process because you might learn something new about your work.
I promise you that it will be rewarding! Don't forget to send me a copy of your statements!
If you are stuck, check out my Artist Statement here >>
ASHWINI
