Writing a Successful Artist Statement - Tips for Emerging Artists
Hello hello fellow artists and art enthusiasts! Today, I’m sharing some valuable insights into crafting a compelling artist statement, especially since I’ve sweated over this in the last week. An artist statement is a vital tool in communicating the essence of your work - so here are my tips to help you articulate your artistic vision.
Understanding an Artist Statement
An artist statement is your voice when you’re not physically present to explain your work. It's a written reflection in the first person (different from a bio) that helps audiences access and understand your art. It's applicable in various scenarios like exhibitions, grant applications, and on your website. It's not just a description but a peek into your creative soul.
Drafting Your Statement
Consider the following aspects:
Key Elements: Reflect on your work's key ideas, themes, struggles, goals, and thematic focus. This helps in giving the reader a visual and contextual understanding of your work.
Influences and Form: Discuss your influences (cultural, historical, personal) and the form of your work (materials, processes). This gives depth to your artistic practice.
Audience: Keep your intended audience in mind. If your work is complex or experimental, acknowledge it. Clarity is crucial.
The Writing Process: Start with interviews or discussions about your work. Don’t have any? Go ask some folks to share ~5 mins of their time to complete a quick survey or hop on a call. Create lists of relevant nouns, verbs, and adjectives, then draft sentences from these. This approach enriches your vocabulary and perspective.
Writing Tips
Stay Authentic: Write in the first person and avoid jargon. Be straightforward and honest.
Short & Sweet: Keep it succinct. One page is ideal.
Evolution: Don’t stress about getting this absolutely right FOR ALL TIME. Your statement will evolve. Keep updating it as your art grows.
Okay - but how?? Structuring Your Statement
Opening: Start with a strong thesis statement. Define the what, why, and how of your work.
Body: Describe the materials and forms you use, mention your artistic influences, and give an example of your work that embodies your thesis.
Conclusion: Tie it all together, mentioning current or upcoming projects.
Revision Hints
Read Aloud: Helps in catching mistakes. This is my favorite hint - even better if you read it out loud to another human!
Use The Recipe: Ensure all elements are included. Heck, even go read some other artist’s statements if that helps!
Specific Language: Use words that fit your type of art.
Proactive Language: Be assertive in your statements. (I kept trying to downplay everything.)
Proofread: More than you think you need to.
Embracing the Process
Whew. We did it!!! Writing an artist statement is a journey in itself. It prompts new ideas and perspectives about your work - and helps you take a step back to look at the bigger picture. Enjoy this process and let it offer you a chance to explore and define your artistic identity.
Remember, your artist statement is a bridge between your inner world and the public. It's not just about your art; it's about you as an artist. Happy writing, and may your statement be as unique and impactful as your art!