Recently I spoke at a workshop at The East End Art Council in NY, helping artists (some struggling and some very established) get a marketing package together…we started with the Artist Statement.
It seemed to me that this would be the easiest to write…why does your painting exist? What are you trying to express? What inspires you? How do you feel when you create? What does your subject mean to you? Why did you choose apples for your still life versus worms?
Apparently these are very difficult questions to answer for people who communicate with images instead of words.
Here are some basics that my Co-presenter Pat Rogers and I provided to the class…Hope it helps!
1. Artist Statements should provide insight into your work that I might not know unless you told me. Don’t restate the obvious!
2. If your work is strongly influenced by a tradition that most viewer are unaware of…briefly explain or mention.
3. If the method or material is unusual (I paint with my hands!) it might be worth mentioning…don’t tell me you paint with brushes on canvas…it will be obvious.
4. Make a list of the things that inspire you and that you notice is a common thread when you step back and look at your work. Consider using some of these terms in your statement.
5. KISS (Keep It Simple…S) Everyone should be able to understand your statement…not just art history majors.
6. Keep it Short! We live in an attention deficit society…we like our information to the point…
And on that note…I will end! Good Luck!
Posted on Oct 31st 06 by Michelle Drake.
Michelle hosts a weekly talk-radio show focused on business solutions and is President of The Cove Group, Inc. (a management consulting firm). She has coached scientists to professional athletes and entrepreneurs to artists on how to improve their communication in the workplace and at home resulting in advancement of careers, improved leadership skills, more effective teams and deeper relationships. http://michelleydrake.com
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