A Sensible Approach to Writing an Artist Statement

Over the last few years, I have managed to curate a handful of art exhibits. In the process, I ask artists to submit an artist statement. I am always surprised at the variety of what I get-from the all too brief to a novella.

I remember all too well, my own personal struggles in creating my first artist statement and others that followed. Over time, I got better at it-I still have a ways to go as far as arriving at the doorstep of what I think is my 'perfect' artist statement.

In the process, I have read many articles on line as to how to write an artist statement. Half of them make my eyes glaze over and my head spin and find that the writing block is still there.

Cate Prato who is the editor and writer for Cloth, Paper Scissors and Quilting Daily   introduces writer, Jane Davila's ebook based on articles that Jane wrote for Quilting Daily called, "Art Business Strategies".

Cate writes, "What does your artist statement say about you? Oh, you don't have an artist statement? That says something right there.
A lot of artists don't think they need an artist statement unless they have an art business or plan to show their art. But an artist statement can help you focus on the art you truly want to make and what you want to get out of making it. Once you know that, you can turn to the question of whether you want to sell art at all, sell art online, or if you think your work is more appropriately gallery art."

To find out more about this article and the eBook, you can read about it here....

I love the tips that Cate highlighted from Jane's book-that in itself is enough to get you off to a good start. I also find that for each show and exhibit that I am in, I fine tune and customize my artist statement for that exhibit.

After all, we know that one size really doesn't fit all!

(photo by Paula Scott)