1. LC-ARTS.1010 Writing Inspirations
Aalto University
School of Arts, Design and Architecture

2. Session 5
Homework: 1) Exhibition Writing; 2) Writing Activity 3 - Artist Statements from your own field
Exhibition Writing ready!
Artist Statement
> Analysis of samples, discussion
> Guidelines and getting started
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3. Exhibition writing ready! 
Read at least 4 writings by other students. (10-15 mins)
Discuss your findings (differences, similarities in styles and approaches?)
How was this exercise all in all? Benefits/ challenges?
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4. Artist/ Designer Statement
In pairs/ small groups:
Share your experiences reading Artist/ Designer Statements from your own fields.
What is your initial reaction to each statement?
What is talked about/ what elements can you find in the statements?
Which artist would you prefer to meet and why?
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5. Your artist statement

6. ”Why would I want to write an artist statement?”
Discussion
”Why would I want to write an artist statement?”

7. ”Why would I want to write an artist statement?”
Discussion
”Why would I want to write an artist statement?”
to clarify your own ideas about your work
to describe your work, in your own words
to have a base for a proposal for an exhibition or project
to fill a requirement for scholarships, grants/funding, teaching positions, or admission to school
to have a good source of info for art reviewers, journalists, and reporters
to introduce your work to the buying public
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8. ”What is the purpose of an artist statement?”

9. ”What is the purpose of an artist statement?”
a general introduction of your work as an artist/designer
the what, how, and why of your work, from your own perspective
helps you convey the deeper meaning or purpose of your work to the audience (clients, gallery owners, scholarship boards, entrance panels, etc.)
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10. Your statement may be the only way of making a good, first impression.
Discussion
”My work speaks for itself, doesn’t it?”
Consider your audience!
Remember, potential employers or buyers may not have access to your artwork.
Your statement may be the only way of making a good, first impression.
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11. ”Language cannot adequately describe my art, can it?”
Discussion
”Language cannot adequately describe my art, can it?”
Yes, it can!
Remember, every time you talk or think about your artwork, you experience a relationship between words and your art.
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12. Artist Statement Don’ts  Do’s 
Vague references (to art, literature, music, etc.) that require specific knowledge
Arrogant, arcane, bloated, elitist, egotistical, or pompous wording; patronizing ”You” statements
Do’s 
Use specific language that anyone can understand (conversational style)!
Your statement is about you – personalize it and write in the 1st person; i.e. occasionally, make ”I” statements!
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13. Artist’s Statement Do’s 
Explain the connection between your art and the medium you are using
Give your audience the option to agree or disagree with you.
Don’ts 
Compare yourself to other artists (”Like Jackson Pollock, I used …”)
Instruct your audience on how to see, behave, feel, respond to your art, dictate interpretations.
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14. Other general guidelines: 1. Start off with a bang!
Boring:
”My work is”
”In my work”
Stand out from the pack!
Start differently!
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15. Other general guidelines: 2. Less is more
Nobody wants to read a novel to get a gist of your work!
Keep it short and sweet! (3 paragraphs?)
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16. Other general guidelines: 3. Learn to love the language
Maximize your impact with unique, fascinating verbiage!
Use both long and short sentences;
rather active than passive voice;
Onomatopoeia (visceral language)
> Thesaurus.com; Dictionary.com; Etymonline
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17. Other general guidelines: 4. The words should match the work
Use verbs and adjectives that really match the qualities of your artwork!
I do art... No! I paint with oils.... better!
>This will create a statement that both excites and informs.
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18. Other general guidelines: 5. Get a second opinion
Do NOT publish or send out your statement before someone else has looked over it.
How well do the words actually match your work?
Try reading it out loud > a sense of the rhythm and flow!?
You want to have a fresh, creative, professional and accessible statement!
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19. Artist’s Statements/ Getting Started/ ’Assembling the Ingredients’
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20. Artist’s Statements/ Getting Started/ ’Assembling the Ingredients’
First paragraph. Begin with a simple statement of why you do the work you do. Support that statement, telling the reader more about your goals and aspirations.
Second paragraph. Tell the reader how you make decisions in the course of your work. How and why do you select materials, techniques, themes? Keep it simple and tell the truth.
Third paragraph. Tell the reader a little more about your current work. How it grew out of prior work or life experiences. What are you exploring, attempting, challenging by doing this work. 20

21. Homework:
Write your first draft of the Artist's Statement (three (3) paragraphs/ words)
(Next lesson) work in pairs and read and offer constructive criticism on your partner's draft and return your comments to the author.
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