If you’re an artist who doesn’t know how to properly write your Artist’s Statement you’re not alone. When artists contact me for a consultation that’s one of the first projects on their wish list for me to help them with. In another article I wrote How to Write your Artist’s Statement that includes 28 guidelines to walk you through the process. In this article I mention some of the most common mistakes to avoid when writing your Artist’s Statement.
Avoid These Frequently Discovered Mistakes
• Avoid misspelled words and grammatical errors.
• Avoid beginning many sentences with the word “I” or “My”.
• Avoid being pompous, overly technical and complicated. The reader of your statement is often a person who didn’t get a degree in art history or has never tried to do what you are doing as an artist.
• Avoid superficial and overused statements such as “I paint because I have to” or “I pour my soul into each piece.”
• Avoid statements that come across as being uncertain or having a lack of confidence such as “I try to…” or “I’ve never been able to…” and replace those words with a more positive approach such as, “An important purpose in my work is…” or “In my art I achieve…”
• Avoid using descriptions and inaccurate labels about your art stated by others unless they are knowledgeable about art history and different styles of art.
• Avoid grandiose expressions, such as: “My art heals humanity” as this may be very true to you but it’s over the top and might turn readers away.
• Avoid the repetition of words, phrases and concepts. Expand your choice of synonyms. Refer to a thesaurus: thesaurus.com
• Avoid forcing to write when you aren’t in the proper frame of mind.
• Avoid the use of jargon and clichés.
Final thoughts… Before you write, take time to concentrate on why you create the art you do. Why do you choose the subject matter, style, medium, composition, colors and technical applications? Do some research into art history, art jargon and read many artist’s statements of famous and unknown artists.
Keep it concise and uncomplicated. Remember the words of Albert Einstein: “If you can’t explain it simply you don’t understand it well enough”
You may also want to read How to Write your Artist’s Statement that includes 28 guidelines to walk you through the process.
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Check out my Writing Services for Artists.
Renee,
I’m sharing your excellent articles about how to write an artist statement with my graduate students. Their MAT exhibit is in a few months. Perfect timing for them to work on this important document. The polished text will be on display during the exhibit right next to their artwork.
Meg, your students are very lucky to have a professor like you to direct them professionally. It makes me joyful and proud to be a part of your teachings.
I need help in putting together a catalog of my work. Do you have a book that would help?
Dear Angela,
I’m sorry I don’t have an ebook on the subject of publishing a catalog but I could offer advice in a consultation. You could also send me questions in an email and perhaps I’ll write an article on the topic.
Best regards,
Renee