Artist Resources
Producing an Artist’s Statement
One view, (and I do mean just one view!) by Ian Pearson.
There is a huge amount of information available about this subject on the Internet as there is about every subject. Look at this link. Artdex
In my experience the thought process of creating an Artist’s Statement is almost as creative as the artwork that one is making at the time. If you are entering work for a specific exhibition, then you may be asked to produce your Artists Statement at the same time as submitting photographs. You maybe asked for a CV and an Artists Bio. They are not all the same thing but can be linked. An Artists Statement can be limited to a particular project that you are currently working on or they can really sum up your view of your life and how you express yourself through art. I find the whole experience of an Artists Statement to be very enlightening and almost soul searching as it sums up why you do what you do and should explain the reasons why you approach a subject in the way you do that is unique. It is a communication exercise whereby the end of reading it some will know what you stand for and to some extent encourage people to buy your art as by doing so they feel they are investing in a piece of you, and they can identify with what you stand for. Here’s one of my Statements and note I said “one of” as it’s quite feasible to have more than one statement depending upon the number of projects you are working on. This could almost be described as a sub–Artists Statement which neatly fit under your main Statement.
Example of Artists Statement
When I am working with glass in the flame I “enjoy” a love/hate relationship. I love how two pieces can become one as the hot glass flows between two bodies. I hate the tension of almost battling with the material to behave in my desired direction. The satisfaction on completion is almost an anti-climax equally balanced with the anticipation of uncertainty that the item will emerge from the annealing oven as planned. An additional bonus that I relish on interacting with hot glass is accepting the danger of naked flames by enjoying the, at times intense heat which warms my skin in an almost loving fashion.
My training in scientific glassblowing taught me the importance of fine craftsmanship which I strive to incorporate in my art. Clarity of the material is vital to me and I try to avoid colour most of the time. I attempt to shun technology and machinery to favour the simple task of manipulating rods and tubes of glass in a flame. My works reflects my view of life, seeking the quirky side and accept as a compliment the comment from some of my peers that my art is naïve.
Some key points to remember is if there is doubt by the potential reader of your Statement then obviously you haven’t made yourself clear. It is for you to explain yourself not for others to try and translate what you mean. Be honest and if you believe in something strong enough then you must commit yourself. It’s nice in my opinion for an Artists Statement to make a difference to an exhibition. So, let’s say you are exhibiting along with 50 other artists and they all submit their Artists Statement, all different and unique of course. Yours has got to stand out as you are more unique than others! LOL
Contact me for more guidance should you so wish. In the meantime, just surf the net!!!
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