Jan 15 - Artist Statement

An art statement is a critical component of an artist’s portfolio, acting as a written explanation of the artist’s creative process, conceptual focus, and personal philosophy behind their work. It helps to contextualize the artwork for viewers, whether they are curators, collectors, or gallery visitors. The importance of an art statement lies in its ability to bridge the gap between the artist’s vision and the audience’s interpretation, offering deeper insights into the meaning and purpose behind the work. In a world where visual art can often be abstract or ambiguous, the art statement provides clarity, making the work more accessible and impactful to a broader audience.
 
For artists, writing an art statement is also a valuable exercise in self-reflection. By articulating the core themes, influences, and methods that define their practice, artists gain a deeper understanding of their own creative journey. This process helps artists refine their focus, making their work more cohesive and intentional. Furthermore, an art statement can serve as a professional tool, particularly in formal settings such as exhibitions, grant applications, or portfolio submissions. In these contexts, curators and art professionals often look for a clear articulation of the artist’s ideas, as it provides a framework for evaluating the work within broader artistic, cultural, or social movements.
 
When it comes to writing an art statement, there are generally two formats to consider: a long version and a short version. The long version, typically one to two pages, provides a comprehensive overview of the artist’s work. It should delve into the artist’s background, inspirations, and conceptual themes, as well as their techniques and materials. This type of statement is often used for exhibition catalogs, grant applications, or in-depth portfolio reviews. A well-written long art statement will cover not only the "what" and "how" of the artist’s work but also the "why," exploring the underlying motivations and intended impact on the viewer. It should be written in clear, accessible language, avoiding overly technical jargon while still demonstrating a deep engagement with the art.
 
On the other hand, a short art statement is typically one paragraph or 100-200 words. It offers a concise summary of the artist’s practice, often focusing on a single body of work or a specific exhibition. This version is ideal for press releases, website bios, or wall texts in galleries, where brevity is key. In writing a short statement, the artist should focus on the most essential aspects of their work, including the main theme or concept and the primary medium they use. A strong short statement distills the essence of the artist’s practice into a few impactful sentences that pique the audience’s interest, inviting them to engage more deeply with the work.
 
Whether long or short, an art statement should remain true to the artist’s voice and vision. To write an effective art statement, it’s important to start by brainstorming key themes, influences, and ideas that consistently appear in your work. Consider the emotions you want your work to evoke and how you want it to be understood by others. Once you have a clear sense of these elements, begin crafting a draft, focusing on clarity, coherence, and accessibility. Remember that your statement should evolve over time as your work develops, so it’s a good idea to periodically revise it to reflect changes in your practice.
 
An art statement is a vital tool for artists to communicate the deeper meaning and intent behind their work. It helps viewers connect with the art on a more intellectual and emotional level, making the artist’s intentions clearer and enhancing the overall experience of the artwork. Writing both long and short versions of an art statement allows artists to tailor their message to different contexts, ensuring they can effectively communicate their vision to a variety of audiences. By putting thought and care into crafting a compelling art statement, artists can significantly enhance the reception and understanding of their work.
 
On a scrap piece of paper put together a short art statement of 100-200 words, once you have it the way you want transfer it to your Project Book labels Short Art Statement. Example: 
 
What Inspired Me:
God, the creative Artist in the Intelligent Design of Everything The Universe, Mother Nature, Time, Energy, Astrology, Philosophy, Spirituality, Karma, Yin/Yang, & Religion, Mythology, Symbolism, Technology, & Science, the Mythical, Humanity, People: Men, Women Children Animals & Wild life. Relationships. Patterns & Cycles. Logic & Emotion. The Comedy & Tragedy of LIFE
 
Muses: Literature, Storytelling, Folk Lore, History, Drama, Song, Dance, Music, Poetry
 
Once finished on a scrap paper write or type out a long artist statement. Example:
 
A Modern day Renaissance Artist would have to be a cross between old school traditional art an new school internet geek. Perhaps a hybrid, walking between religion & science seeking a mystical experience. An artisan is always in spiritual pursuit of the holy grail just within reach. A need to bring heaven down to earth: To share it with others. To free it’s expression. Liberate it.
 
While with technology you have to be a logical person. Disciplined. Rational. Feasibly with a aptitude of a programmers mind. One who processes the ability to emphatically convey graphic emotional experiences is beyond techno geek. Yet required if not socially in our day, creatively just to relieve the boredom of it all. It takes experimentation, walking down many paths, learning new things and questioning curious muses with skill to express the exceptional. Conceivably only the greatest artists an nerds look above an below the surface of things to see what really makes them tick. One side normally has the intelligence to understand it, the other side the heart to transform the rest of the words views on it’s subject. Each is a natural born investigator if you will with a unquenchable thirst in the quest for knowledge. Scientific & artistic minds want to know how for different reasons. An they go about it entirely differently. Yet, this is a time when Art & Science minds meet. Today you have to be both an I am. For it’s the one who has the wisdom of each who willingly jumps down the rabbits hole first searching for real meaning. Who finds real purpose. Real inspiration. Real universal truths.
 
I am just a seeker, who teaches as I blaze a trail behind me. A jack of all trades, artistic mediums and media’s. A regular ace master magician at applying all tools at hand. A wizard at waving magical wands. Just your regular day cutting edge DaVinci wanna be space cowboy, or girl as it may be the case. Social, yet non sociable or domesticated. A introvert that extroverts. A tad wild, zany. Out there, yet grounded on the fringes of it all riding each new wave in like a it’s a razors edge of a blade.
 
That’s just me, an Artist by Design.
 
After you have it the way you want it transfer it to your Project Book under label: Long Art Statement.
 
 

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