Writing your artist statement can be a reflective and introspective process. It provides an opportunity to communicate your artistic intentions, inspirations, and creative journey to your audience. Here are some steps to help you write an impactful artist statement:
Reflect on Your Artistic Journey
Take a moment to reflect on your studio practice and the experiences that have shaped this body of work. Consider the themes, concepts, and ideas that drive your creativity. Ask yourself: What motivates you as an artist? What messages or emotions do you aim to convey through your artwork? What attracts you to this subject, motifs, colors, textures or medium? Understanding your artistic identity will form the foundation of your artist statement.
Define Your Artistic Vision
Clearly articulate your artistic vision in a concise and focused manner. Describe the overarching themes or ideas that inform your work. Think about the techniques, mediums, or processes you employ in your practice and how they contribute to the overall aesthetic of your art. Avoid using jargon or overly complex art-world language. Instead, aim for a balance between your way of speaking and provide meaningful insights into your artistic practice.
Don’t use words like “interrogate, reconceptualize, deconstruct, symbolize, transcendental, mystical, commodity culture, liminal space, or haptic”. Don’t use art jargon; write in your own voice and write how you talk.
Jerry Saltz, New York’s Senior Art Critic
Engage Your Audience
Consider who your audience is and what they might want to know about your art. Craft your artist statement in a way that engages and connects with them. Share your passion, emotions, and inspirations, and explain how your work relates to the broader artistic or social context. Encourage your audience to delve deeper into your art, inviting them to interpret and experience it in their own unique way. What would you like them to feel?
Be Authentic and Personal
An artist statement is an opportunity to showcase your unique voice and perspective. Be authentic and true to yourself, allowing your personality to shine through your words. Avoid generic statements or trying to fit into a particular mold. Instead, embrace your individuality and convey your personal artistic journey.
Write your Artist Statement in the first person, your statement is sharing something very personal about your work. Keep it on point and around 300 words in most cases (like applying for an art fair, artist residency and a group gallery show). If your statement is exploring a complex topic, offer a long format statement (around 600 words) for depth. Longer statements can be used for solo shows or in your own materials and website.
Edit and Refine
After drafting your artist statement, review it and don’t overthink it. Consider the clarity of your message, the flow of your thoughts, and the overall impact of your statement. Remove any unnecessary or repetitive information, ensuring that every sentence contributes to the overall coherence and understanding of your artistic practice. Share it with an friend who will give you honest feedback, that will improve your writing.
Seek Feedback
Share your artist statement with trusted friends, mentors, or fellow artists. Seek their feedback and perspectives. They may provide valuable insights or suggestions for improvement. However, remember that ultimately, your artist statement should reflect your own unique voice and artistic vision.
Tailor for Different Contexts
Keep in mind that you may need to tailor your artist statement for different purposes and contexts, such as exhibition proposals, websites, or online profiles. Customize the length and focus of your statement to align with the specific requirements and expectations of each platform.
Writing an artist statement is an opportunity to convey your artistic vision, motivations, and creative journey to your audience. By reflecting on your art, defining your vision, and engaging your audience, you can create an artist statement that authentically communicates your unique perspective and leaves a lasting impression. Remember, an artist statement is not a fixed document but an living expression of your art practice, so feel free to revisit and revise it as your art evolves.
Business and career resources for visual artists Resource link
Get instant access to the Artist Starter Kit – A complete set of artist documents, all for just $47 — Plus a bonus: Artwork Pricing Calculator — Purchase here
Limited Time: Get your personalized Art Business Strategy and create lasting demand for your artwork. Book here
Andrea La Valleur-Purvis writes and teaches business strategy to visual artists, hosts the Art Biz Talk podcast and creates abstract sculptures for private, public and workspaces around the world.
