During a recent consultation with an artist helping with her writing projects for her new website she referred to the Edward Hopper quote, “If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.” We laughed and discussed that Hopper was not necessarily saying he couldn’t write. The truth is, Hopper, who was proficient as an oil painter, watercolorist and printmaker in etching, was also very good writer, like many artists I know. Unfortunately, his quote has been misinterpreted as meaning that artists should not or cannot write about their art. This is a big problem.
Let’s dispel this myth about artists now and forever!
Hopper wrote many other quotable statements, including this insightful explanation about his art: “My aim in painting has always been the most exact transcription possible of my most intimate impression of nature.” He also penned, “I find in working always the disturbing intrusion of elements not a part of my most interested vision, and the inevitable obliteration and replacement of this vision by the work itself as it proceeds.”
“Rooms By the Sea” (shown here) was based on Hopper’s studio on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. When referring to his painting he wrote succinctly, “Maybe I am slightly inhuman … All I ever wanted to do was to paint sunlight on the side of a house.”
For an artist who may be considered as one who didn’t want to write about his art, I think he did a very good job in describing his intentions and descriptions of his paintings.
Debunking Cocteau’s Quote
A bigger misunderstanding and one of my pet peeves is Jean Cocteau’s quote: “An artist cannot speak about his art any more than a plant can discuss horticulture.” The irony is, Cocteau wrote that before modern horticulture proved that plants ad trees continuously communicate with each other. They produce chemical signals in response to their environments, and they can share those signals with each other, through the air, and through the soil.
And, the next time you meander into your garden and talk to your plants consider this: According to a Royal Horticultural Society research it’s been discovered that talking to your plants really can help them grow faster. I think they understand, so, keep talking. 🙂
The Art Critic and This Myth
I have a theory about why visual artists have been described as lacking in writing skills. Perhaps a coterie of art critics perpetuated this myth in order to elevate their relevance and professional status. If an arts writer believes they know better than an artist about an artist’s own creation, they are not only deceiving themselves but also the rest of us. With all due respect to art critics, they merely speculate, based on a collection of their current knowledge, observations, and opinions — unless they are directly quoting an artist or can crawl inside the artist’s head and heart.
Why We Need to Dispel The Myth That “Artists Cannot Write”
Many intelligent, talented artists have accepted this myth as a self-fulfilling prophesy. It blocks them from attempting to begin or finish the task of writing their artist’s statement, artist’s biography, email newsletters and art blog. It prevents them from achieving their fullest potential in their art careers.
In the real world of art marketing, an artist is required to write about their art, such as when applying for a grant, juried competition, preparing an exhibition catalogue, on their websites, and other occasions. This writing can also provide clarity for an artist and increase their confidence.
Why I Know This Myth is False
My years of developing relationships with thousands of artists as a career coach and curator have taught me that most artists can and do write very well. In fact, many artists I know also write prose and poetry, maintain blogs on a range of topics, send beautifully written email newsletters and even write books.
To prove my belief, visit any of the membership pages and online exhibitions I’ve curated on two websites I manage: The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS or Manhattan Arts International. You’ll find statements provided by artists. Over the years, thousands of artists have written heartfelt, intelligent, insightful and educational statements.
Yes, It’s True… Many Artists Do Struggle With Writing
Indeed, many artists struggle to find the right words. And, it can be frustrating and painful for artists to try and fail at writing.
However, You Can Do It!
As an artist you don’t have to write long essays or scholarly journals or even a book about your art. Simply be authentic and write honestly and keep practicing. Don’t give up. If writing about your art feels unnatural and you want to develop this skill, you can find many resources to help you. You can also check out my writing services.
More Articles To Help You Write
28 Tips and Guidelines to Help You in “How to Write Your Artist’s Statement”.
Find a Few Helpful tips in “Helping Artists Learn How to Write it Right”
“Quick Tips For Writing Your Artist’s Statement”
Also read “Art and Artist’s Statements – Quotes by Famous Artists”.
Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Artist’s Statement
How to Write Your Artist’s Biography
If You Need Help
Please Check Out My Writing Services for Artists
I write Art Reviews
To learn more about these services visit this page.
Hi Renee, I so appreciate your blogs, websites and clarity. And how about that myth that says that artists are incapable of being sophisticated business people? That they don’t know how to handle money, promotion or marketing? I know a lot of financially successful artists who are nicely balanced, between their left brain and right brain activities . 🙂
Hi Karen, I totally agree. Many artists are very successful and debunk the myth that artists cannot handle business matters. That’s the meaning behind my use of the word “Artrepreneur”. It defines an artist who is a creative individual and also the CEO of their business. The left-brain vs right-brain theory that categorizes people as one or the other is lame and limiting.
I had no idea that I wasn’t supposed to be able to write. I’ve found that keeping a blog has opened up my mind and allowed me to let out all the ideas lurking around the edges that I was losing. The more I write, the better I understand myself and what I’m doing. I tend to break grammar rules and and rely on spell check, but who’s perfect?
Thank you Taryn, you are an excellent role model for artists who are afraid to write about their art. I enjoyed visiting your website, viewing your incredible artwork and reading your blog. I’ll return soon.
I love this post Renee. I have been inching my way into the literary world with anecdotes regarding my art sales on Facebook. My readers comment on how they enjoy my conversational style with its heartfelt prose and sprinkling of humor. I am presently creating a coffee table art book with personal anecdotes which will serve as a bridge between the artworks. If I am told “You are not good enough”- LOOK OUT, I will prove you wrong! Don’t let someones personal issues ruin your aspirations because this is your dream.
Lisa, I’m sure your book will be phenomenal. I’ll be looking out for it!
Thank you so much Renee, taking my time and doing it right the first time!
You’re welcome Lisa!
I also feel that it is a fallacy to say that artists can not write . If anything in my experience many of my artist friends have exceptional writing skills . I have also heard as well that artists do not have business acumen and that is not the case. People are individuals with multiple gifts. It is insipid that people make such broad statements about others.
Yes, that’s so true Ellen! And, thank you for pointing out the other myth that artists don’t have business acumen.
I find you’re right in many ways. First, it’s not true that artists can’t write. Many of my colleagues have great blogs. I have it myself, and everyone tells me “how well you write.” (But I can’t set an example, since I’m also a philologist)
Then, it is also true that art critics spread this idea. I would like to see them take a brush and paint a painting. I find that in their formation they have a great hole in this regard.
We could say that they have a feeling of inferiority syndrome by artists and hide it in this way.
Cristina, I love your comment. You prove as an artist and philologist that artists are multi-dimensional and multi-talented. And, I love what you wrote on your website: “Sometimes it’s good to stop, breathe and contemplate the beauty that surround us. My paintings want to take to your life little moments of poetry.”
Writing, mark making, calligraphy and painting have always been part of my life. Creating at this time in my life has become a full time action. The act of creating brings more energy and sublime joy.
Thank you Mary for your comment and sharing your feelings of creative bliss!
Renee, I know this to be true as John is not only a pastel and oil painter, he has also written a novel and many short stories and is also a musician who can improvise with ease, which is a difficult thing to do. If anything, our problem these days is trying to decide which of his many talents to spend our limited resources on. In our relationships with other artists, we have found that many are multi-talented in the same way. Thank you for this article. I would hate to see any artist limited him or herself just because of a quote or two.
Kristen, thank you for your comment and sharing more of John’s talents. I can imagine it must be a challenge to decide how to set priorities when he is so multi-talented.