Artists Statement

[donsha]

I am in the process of entering my new painting into an Art Competition here in NZ. I am a new artist and have no idea of the procedures. The promoters have requested an Artists Statement, could someone please tell me what I need to write to fulfill this part of the entry???? I would appreciate any assistance with this.

Thanks
Sharon

[bricoleur]

Hi. There are alot of variations on artist statements but the important thing is to keep it simple and sincere. Ask yourself why you are passionate about painting landscapes, or what is the most important thing about why you are painting. If you were explaining this to a friend what would you say to them. Don't worry, don't get tangled up in what the promoters might expect, just write how you feel. Hope this helps. ps. not too long or there be snoozing...

[blondheim12]

Don't make it too long, half a page is about right.

There should be a thread or two in the archives about AS here at WC. The topic has come up before.
Love,
Linda

http://lindab.dougie.net/epotw/

[mame]

Spend a couple of hours reading artists' statements. Most gallery, exhibit and artists' personal web sites include artist statements. It can help you get a feel for how different they all can be and the particulars each artist addresses.

Some focus on process, some on motivation and content and meaning, some hit on a bit of everything.

As has already been said, keep it simple and direct and UNflowery or sappy.

There are also some good sites on artist statement formats, how-tos, etc. Plug "artist statements into Google search and see what you come up with.

I suspect participants here would be happy to share their own with you for the asking.

Artist statements are always a struggle! The first one is always the hardest! Good luck

[arlene]

Originally posted by mame

Artist statements are always a struggle! The first one is always the hardest! Good luck

Nope Mame, they're still hard!

[mame]

Originally posted by arlene


Nope Mame, they're still hard!

LOL! Yes, yes....

[El_Elegante]

If your ideas on painting are too far out of the norm, or controversial, lie, and make something up inistead. I have gotten bad reactions to my artists statement, although it is quit sincere, and meets all the other criteria here.

[Shai]

I have this article in my file, but I don't remember who wrote it. If you know the author, please inform us. Anyway, I just thought I'd share it here because it might be useful...


The Artist's Statement

An artist's statement is often a requested document when approaching a gallery for representation. A portfolio, a Bio, and an artist's statement are all part of the gallery getting an over-all picture of exactly who you are and where you're going. Even if your gallery is a personal gallery online, it is still good practice to include an artist's statement.

What exactly is an artist's statement?
The artist's statement is a written portrait of who you are as an artist. It tells where you've been and where you are headed in relation to your art. It states what you are trying to say with your art, how you feel about your art, how you think your art contributes to the art world at large.

What should the statement include?

Why you are an artist.
Your predominant medium.
Your major subject matter.
Technique.
Why you think your art is unique.
What you are trying to communicate with your art.
Where you get your inspiration.
What you want your future in art to be.

Should the statement be long or short?
The trick to writing an effective statement is to make it as brief as possible and at the same time say what you need to say. This may take some practice and re-writes. One way to start is to approach it from the viewpoint of someone else interviewing you. If you were not you, what would you want to know? Interview yourself, write your ideas down, then get a friend or acquaintance that can be objective to read your statement. Revise as necessary.

Is the statement always a requirement?
A statement is not always a requirement but it is a very good idea to develop an effective statement in case it is needed. Galleries like to have a statement to use in promoting you, explaining your work to viewers and as an added aspect of your gallery presence. The gallery will evaluate whether your statement is in line with what they see in your art. This is why your statement should be an extension of your art and not a rambling ego trip. Your work will not always speak for itself!

[Shai]

Here's another useful link -

http://www.nitaleland.com/articles/statement.htm

[gnu]

I just rated this thread...Shai's link was so helpful, I easily created an artist statement...and I'm NO writer!!!
Thanks Shai...

[laniers]

I have always thought most artist statements are so fluffy they are a joke. I guess that's what people want though. I want to end world hunger and have world peace and I think my paintings will help to achieve that. LMAO

[Alyson Stanfield]

Yes, artist statements are much maligned, oft neglected, and casually ignored. However, there is no reason that an artist's statement needs to be a "joke." I firmly believe that good language can help sell your art. I am constantly trying to help artists, through my e-classes, publications and coaching, develop good stories about their art. You have to give people something they can connect with. Often, it takes more than an image.

Also, curators are immensely interested in a well-written statement. Because they write about and interpret art for the public, the artist's words are of great value to their research.

Journal, write a lot, talk to people about your art, and try to find the right words.

Ask any salesman how important words are in selling.

Alyson

[mame]

Avoid your life's story, i.e., a bio.
Keep it to one page max.
Don't use "I" too much.
Avoid "cutsey"
Avoid artspeak unless you can't avoid it to describe/detail your work.
Speak as simply as possibly but intelligently and grammatically correctly (a given but mention it because good, clear grammar is imperative re how you are "preceived" in writing.

Use action verbs if/when you can and present tense.

One format/outline:

A general statement - what YOUR art "IS" - where it fits in art historically, genre, etc.

A bit about technique - especially if you incorporate various materials or interesting/different techniques/supports. Don't use the description, "mixed media" - it doesn't really mean squat.

A bit about content/meaning.

a Wrap Up statement.

PS - I have a general statement but write particular statements for series or a particular thematic exhibit, etc.

Hey, I'll go out on a limb. Here's my general one. Tear away if you will..............

January, 2003

ARTIST STATEMENT
Molly Hill

Painting is about obsession, dedication, determination, honesty, plain hard work and a willingness to stand naked in front of strangers.

I work in both acrylic and oil and sometimes include collage as a means of fracturing
2-dimensional space.

I rarely begin a work with specifics in mind. The paintings evolve through a technique of building on and through the surface rather than illustrating preconceived ideas. A painting begins with a series of random brush strokes to get things going. I draw on my own experience, memory and intuition and over time a picture begins to reveal itself. Patterns emerge; begin to come together into an organic whole. A particular painting will go through many metamorphoses. The history of the making of the painting is in and on the painting.

My paintings are raw and unapologetic questions about life and human beings; one person’s emotional and intellectual world-view expressed in visual terms. I try to speak simply and still say something.

[Shai]

Originally posted by gnu
I just rated this thread...Shai's link was so helpful, I easily created an artist statement...and I'm NO writer!!!
Thanks Shai...

You're welcome.

'Glad to know it helped.

[madster]

The link is very helpful!