What is an Artist Statement?

Your artist’s statement can be anything you want it to be, but primarily, it should help people, students or employers to understand what you believe to be the most important aspects of your art, the techniques you use to make it, and what you have learned through the art class/ classes. Also, what you like and dislike about your art. The statement should summarize these things in as few words as possible, preferably short ones, and not be a lengthy dissertation on your place in the future history of art. A three paragraph statement should do it. You won’t keep your readers much longer than that.

WRITE YOUR STATEMENT IN LANGUAGE THAT ANYONE CAN UNDERSTAND, not language that you understand, not language that you and your friends understand, not language that you learn in art school, but everyday language that you use with everyday people to accomplish everyday things. Be specific, not vague and avoid obscure references that most will not know.

How do I create an Artist Statement?

Do some brainstorming or journaling on these questions, as though you were interviewing yourself:

•     Why do you like to make art?
•     What subjects do you prefer? Why?
•     What processes and techniques do you use? Why?
•     How is your work different from others?
•     What do you see in your artwork?
•     What do other people say they see?
•     What are your goals and aspirations as an artist?
•     Who or what inspires you?
•     What does it mean to you?

Enlist the aid of a trusted friend and do some brainstorming. Don’t analyze, just put it down and keep adding to the lists. Once you have a good start, start comparing one thought to another and decide which one grabs you. Throw the other one out. Keep comparing and eliminating until you have three or four main ideas that express the essence of your artistic purpose.

Your statement should be short, clear, understandable, not over-stated, and not too mystical or spiritual. Everything in your statement should be relevant to your art.