Artist Statement

Statements are primarily to help dealers, consultants, funders, advisors, writers, critics, curators, collectors.

Statements are typically consulted when more clarity is needed. Miller/Krane: Statements are helpful when they offer some literary point of reference that viewer might not have considered or, as in the case of installation art, when images might not fully convey everything about the work.

Use plain, clear language Use plain, clear language. Read statement aloud -- it should flow from your mouth -- if you stumble, rewrite it till it does flow. It should sound like you are speaking (but with better grammar). It should be about three or four paragraphs maximum. (Miller)

Statement shouldn’t be too personal Statement shouldn’t be too personal. If your work has a strong personal content, mention it, but don’t dwell on details. Statement should mention: Your major discipline and other forms in which you work. Your primary mediums and any special handling of mediums you’ve mastered. Your subject/content. Your influences (both artistic and other). Your artistic intention.

Statement should also describe any special symbols, metaphors, materials, techniques, themes, or issues found in your work. Try to anticipate question someone might ask about your work and answer those questions in your statement. If you can’t anticipate any questions, ask your family and friends to HONESTLY ask you anything they want to know about your work and write down those questions as a starting point.

Gather all materials – images, resume, articles, reviews Gather all materials – images, resume, articles, reviews. Imagine how you’d explain this to a friend (fellow art student) who is sitting there with you. What triggered a specific series of works? Is there something that can’t be ascertained about your work from what you have in front of you? If so, how would you explain what’s missing? (Miller)

Once you’ve listed all the points you’d like to cover, prioritize them Once you’ve listed all the points you’d like to cover, prioritize them. If you see things that recur several times, move them higher on your list. After identifying the most important, write a paragraph each about the first three or four points. (Miller)

“Grand unified theory of your stuff. ” “establish a shred of context “Grand unified theory of your stuff.” “establish a shred of context.” Overwrite then cut. (Schreiber) Automatic writing – don’t look at screen and type for 10 minutes without stopping – don’t back up for mistakes, don’t try to reword – just keep writing.

Make "I" statements, rather than "you" statements Make "I" statements, rather than "you" statements. Talk about what your art does for you, not what it's supposed to do for the viewer. This doesn't mean that you start every sentence with "I," but rather that you respect people's autonomy and allow them to respond to your art as they wish. (Bamberger)

Tell the story about what led up to your art ONLY if it's short, compelling, and really relevant. People are generally not interested in progressions of events. Something leads up to everything; we all know that. (Bamberger)

Work with a friend who is a good writer. Get feedback and input Work with a friend who is a good writer. Get feedback and input. Have several people read what you’ve written and listen to their feedback.

When having someone read, give them specifics (tell them you want help making it clearer, shorter, more direct, less sappy, etc.) This will help them focus and be less fearful to give you their honest opinions. (Schreiber)

MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION: Does your statement and your artwork “line up?” (Schreiber)

Artist Statement Should be letter-perfect -- one page maximum On 8 1/2” x 11” white or off-white paper (should match cover letter). If you have letterhead, use it. Make sure that Artist Statement enhances your work -- don’t make someone struggle to get your meaning. Most people will only read your Artist Statement if they’ve already found your images to be interesting

In Class: I will assign work groups. The group will analyze each person’s statement keeping in mind the evaluation points discussed in class. The first round will be content issues, the second round will be formal issues. Each group member will offer feedback.