Writing your artist statement can be a very challenging process. The execution of writing about your art is not as simple as putting your paintbrush to the canvas. Technical questions bombard your mind. How long should it be? Am I making sense? Am I using the correct grammar? What was I thinking when I completed the piece? What do they want to know about my work?
For most artists, conversations about your work come easy in exhibitions, artist talks or studio visits. But when it comes to writing about it, your mind turns to mush. FYI, it doesn’t have to be so hard. If it’s easy for you talk about your art, then it can be just as easy to write about it.
Here is an idea, take note. The next time you complete an art project, ask a colleague friend to perform a mock interview. Record the conversation on voice recorder or video camera, documenting the interaction. Finally, compile the information into a written artist statement. It is that simple.
Here are 10 questions to answer during your recording:
1. How did you create the piece or series?
2. What was the process?
3. What does it mean to you?
4. How long did it take you to create it?
5. What message are you trying to convey to the viewer?
6. What was the inspiration for the piece?
7. What is your technique or style in relation to the medium?
8. Does the piece reflect a personal belief, subject or topic?
9. If you have a series, the rule of thumb is to choose a particular piece to elaborate on. What is the title of the piece? Why did you choose this piece? What does it mean to you?
10. What are your future goals for the piece or art series?
Published by Clarke Art Consulting © 2010
