When writing an artist statement, it’s important to address the following key points:

  1. Artistic Vision: Explain the concept, theme, or message you want to convey through your art.
  2. Creative Process: Discuss your approach to making art, the techniques you use, and the materials you work with.
  3. Inspiration: Describe the sources of inspiration that inform your work, such as personal experiences, emotions, social issues, or other artists.
  4. Aesthetic: Highlight the elements of your work that make it unique, such as color, composition, form, or texture.
  5. Goals: State your goals as an artist and the impact you hope to make with your work.
  6. Background: Provide relevant background information about yourself, such as your education, training, and experience.
  7. Context: Put your work in context by discussing the role of art in society and how it relates to your artistic vision
  8. Future: Outline your plans for future projects and the direction you see your art going in.

By addressing these key points, you can create an effective artist statement that provides insight into your art and your artistic vision. It is important to keep in mind that your statement should be concise, clear, and free of technical jargon. Additionally, it should reflect your voice and style as an artist, so that it truly captures the essence of your work and your message.

How long should my statement be?

An artist statement should typically be between 150 to 500 words. It is important to strike a balance between providing enough information to convey your message and keeping it concise and easily digestible for the reader. A statement that is too long may lose the reader’s attention, while one that is too short may not provide enough context for your art. The length of your statement will also depend on the type of venue or platform it is being submitted for, as well as any specific guidelines provided. As a general rule, aim for a statement that is around 200-300 words, which is long enough to provide meaningful insight into your art, while still being brief enough to hold the reader’s attention.

– Alex McSwain

For more tips or need a second pair of eyes. Feel free to reach out and we can consult you on your statement.