Artist Statement

I’m sure at one point you were asked to write an all-too-official ‘artists statement.’ It can be a divine or detrimental element to the impressions you leave on your audience. This statement essentially answers the general gist of your art. Here are a few common guidelines and rules to follow when writing a statement. 

THE GENERAL FACTS: WHAT? and HOW?

• What is your artwork made of?  How do your make it? What is the process? It would be best to provide a general idea of what your work is. If you work with photography, mention it, but I do not need to know the intrinsic details.
• Is there a special process to creating your work that resonates with the actual theme being delved in? How does the process affect you? If it is nothing particularly special to you, leave it out. There’s no need to confuse us with the technicalities of your work.

THE DEEPER MEANING: WHY?

• Why do you do what you do? Themes? Significance?
• Your statement should definitely touch base with any recurring themes. Talk about the significance of your work: what does it mean to you? Talk about yourself: what interested you in such themes?
• When writing your statement, try to stray from unnecessary comparisons and obscure references. Often, this can pose as a hindrance rather than an aid.

RULE #1: KEEP IT SHORT AND SIMPLE

• You are not writing a novel of your life­–you are meant to entice us, but not formulate expectations of how we experience your work. No matter how much you attempt to explain your philosophies, methodologies, ideologies, etc. my point of view, is still, my point of view.
• Keep it short and simple– give us just enough to fuel us to want to know more. I don’t need a book, but one word or two sentences isn’t really going to do any good either. Usually, an artist statement can range from one large paragraph to four short ones.
• Again, I cannot stress this enough, simplicity is the key to connecting with your audience. Your statement should be in a general language that your audience can understand and interpret.  You don’t want to eliminate people from your extensive audience by using an ancient or unfamiliar language. Think of it this way, an artist statement is essentially printed to explain your process and ideas when you are not there in person to speak–it’s somewhat of a tour guide.

RULE #2: GIVE IT TIME AND GIVE IT TO OTHERS

• Sometimes going off on a tangent is easier that it your think. You may think that your piece is a God-given masterpiece in itself, trust me, wait a day or two and comeback to it, you’d be surprised.
• Consider letting a few colleagues look over it, another perspective and opinion is always useful. If you are still unsure or have a dire need for perfection, why not hire a professional writer? Feedback is your friend!

RULE # 3 BE YOURSELF

• I feel as though this should be the golden rule. Don’t create some sort of false façade to impress us. More than likely, you’ll have impressed us by just being your creative self anyway. If your artwork is personal, there has to be some personal aspect in your statement as well. Never be silent– just because your work speaks, doesn’t mean you have to be quiet.

RULE #4 NOTHING IS SET IN STONE

• Anything is open to change. Once you get it done and said, doesn’t mean it’s set in stone.
• With each theme and concept you explore–even with each medium–you should probably either update or write a new artists statement.
• For example, let’s say you had an exhibition exploring themes of nature using watercolor. You are now having a new exhibition about the urban themes using photography as your medium, write a new statement. You may talk about your transition, but you cannot use the same statement. This new exhibition requires incorporation of new ideas and elements, with fluidity comes revision and change.
• Yes, you can still incorporate and reuse consistent, knowledgeable information, but it must be relevant to your new exhibit.

 Do not worry, it’s easier to write about how you feel and what you know than about the unknown. While these are just a few tips and guidelines to help with the process, more in-depth and detailed looks into writing artists statements are available.  Here are a few links to help you out.  (They’ve even helped me when I had to face that fateful day of writing mine).

Your Artist Statement: Explaining the Unexplainable
By Alan Bamberger

Writing Your Artist Statement
By Molly Gordon

How to Write an Artist's Statement
By Marion Boddy-Evans 

Written by guest blogger and artist, Carianna Arredondo.