Many artists dread writing an artist statement.  They will write a statement when required to do so for an application, a submission, or to accompany an exhibition.  While professional artists realize that the artist statement is necessary,  and will write one when required to do so, they may not find the process comes easily to them.   Also, there are some misconceptions out there when it comes to what an artist statement is.

Let’s review the what and why of an artist statement.  I hope to persuade you to write the best one possible for your body of work.  

What Is An Artist Statement? 

Your artist statement is a written document that explains your intention for your body of work. It helps the reader to understand your work better and could entice them to view it if they have not seen it before.  

There are different ideas about what an artist statement should contain and how to write one. A useful statement is one that makes someone want to view your work if they have not done so before. Or, it makes them want to take a second look at your work. It teaches or gives the viewer insight into something they may not know about the work by just looking at it.

Your artist statement is not your bio or about me page. Instead, it is primarily about your work, not your background. Your bio and artist resume/cv should exist separately from your statement.

I encourage you to craft the most effective statement you can for your work at this moment in time. 

 Why Should You Write an Artist Statement? 

The artist statement is more than just a written document about your work. To succeed with your visual art business, you need to stand out, get noticed, and make a connection with people in a noisy world. The artist statement helps you to do that. It is your opportunity to help people to view and understand your artwork, especially when you are not there to speak with them.  Also, it forces you to clarify what you want to communicate about your work. By doing this, you will be better prepared to speak and present your work, whether it is in a formal or informal setting. 

The bottom line – an artist statement prepares you for the opportunities that come your way, which is WHY you need to have one that effectively represents your work. Visit the Artisan Advantage Resources page for some tools to help with writing your artist statement. 

Sign up for the Artisan Advantage Newsletter to get a copy of this Cheat Sheet and more!