HTML Preview Professional Artist Statement page number 1.
SKILLS Q&A
Q. HOW DO I WRITE AN ARTIST’S STATEMENT? WHY ARE THEY
IMPORTANT?
A. As a professional artist your artist statement is essential. It represents a basic
introduction to your art. Just about all artists want as many people as possible to
appreciate their art. A good artists statement works toward this end.
• Write your statement in a language that anyone can understand.
• Make it personal, make it conversational, but not colloquial.
• Tell what your art is about, what it signifies, what inspired it, or what
you intend for it to communicate.
o Why you make your art.
o What inspires you to make it.
o What it signifies or represents.
o How you make it.
o What it is made out of.
o What it means to you.
• Be brief. Half a page is enough with two or three paragraphs.
• Be specific not vague. Keep your artists statement clear and to the
point.
• Appeal to viewers; get them involved with what you are doing. Give
them reasons to care. You know what is in it for you; what’s in it for
them?
• Avoid complex explanations, obscure references and artspeak.
• Try not to categorize your work or compare yourself to other artists or
art movements. Leave that task for the critics.
Before you go public with your artist statement seek feedback from others. Your
job is to hold reader’s attention without being confusing or boring and you want to
give them a chance to understand and enjoy your art.