Writing your artist’s statement may be one of the most essential pieces of writing and yet the most challenging one to do in your art career. And, as your art evolves, you’ll be faced with having to write new ones. If you inquire about gallery representation, prepare an exhibition catalogue, provide material for an arts writer, or apply for a grant, you’ll most likely be asked to provide one. There’s no way to avoid it. The good news is, you’ll find several articles I’ve written to help you. This article “Quick Tips For Writing Your Artist’s Statement” is meant to get you inspired and in the right mood. At the end of the article you’ll find links to more articles to help you accomplish this project once and for all!
Brainstorm With Other Artists
This is a fun experience that has worked successfully in my group workshops. Meet with one or more mutually supportive artists with the purpose of helping each other write or improve your statements. While viewing each other’s work offer positive feedback. Express your immediate reactions using descriptive adjectives and phrases. Surprisingly, the objective insight you exchange with fellow artists may unravel a stream of subconscious revelations. This type of creative collaboration can build your confidence to proceed in taking the task further.
Read A Variety of Artist’s Statements
It’s easy to get inspired when reading well-written artist’s statements by artists you admire. You can also refer to exhibition catalogues and art history books.
Read “Art and Artist’s Statements – Quotes by Famous Artists”. In it you’ll find Joan Mitchell’s statement: “I paint from remembered landscapes that I carry with me – and remembered feelings of them, which of course become transformed. I could certainly never mirror nature. I would more like to paint what it leaves with me.”
I suggest you also read poorly written artist’s statements. Yes, that’s right! They will not only amuse you, you’ll learn plenty of mistakes to avoid.
Keep Your Audience in Mind
Henri Matisse wrote, “I don’t paint things; I paint only the differences between things… I do not literally paint that table, but the emotion it produces upon me. What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter – a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.”
As you write your artist’s statement imagine you are having a conversation with an admiring art collector or gallery owner who is favorably impressed with your art. While you’re in this confident frame of mind think about the words you would use to discuss your art. On the other hand, consider what you would say to a young art student or beginning collector.
The language you use when speaking to each different group will vary accordingly. So, practice writing more than one artist’s statement and try it out on different people before you publish it. That way you’ll know it will be understood by people of different backgrounds, ages, and levels of art education and experience.
More Articles to Help You Write Your Artist’s Statement
How to Write Your Artist’s Statement : 28 Guidelines
Art and Artist’s Statements – Quotes by Famous Artists
Write Your Artist’s Statement in 60 Words or Less
Follow The 5 P’s When Writing Your Artist’s Statement
Fun Techniques to Help You Write Your Artist’s Statement
Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Artist’s Statement
How to Use AIDA When Writing About Your Art to Increase Sales
Help is On The Way!
If you need further assistance in writing please don’t hesitate to contact me for help. One of my favorite things to do is help artists write their promotional materials. Learn about my writing services.
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