6 Things to Stop Saying in Your Artist Statement + Examples
/6 Things to Stop Saying in Your Artist Statement + Examples
An Artist Statement serves as a guide to help people understand your art on a deeper level. It explains elements of your work that may not be immediately noticeable, leading to a more engaging connection between your art and the viewer.
Writing yours can seem like a daunting task, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not about telling people what to think. Instead, it’s about providing context and background information that enhances the viewing experience. Avoid the common mistakes outlined in this article, and use your Artist Statement as an opportunity to connect with your audience in a meaningful way.
1. Avoid Overused Phrases…
Your Artist Statement is an opportunity to showcase your unique voice, perspective, and inspiration behind your art.
However, phrases such as “I’ve always been creative” or “I’ve been an artist from a young age” are overused and don’t add much value to the statement. Instead, consider delving deeper and providing specific examples that highlight why these phrases are meaningful to you.
For instance, you could say:
“From a young age, I was fascinated by portraiture and would spend hours sketching my friends and family. This early passion for capturing the human form has continued to influence my work as a figurative artist.”
This example adds depth and context to your statement and helps potential collectors and curators understand the unique elements that define your work.
2. Avoid Vague Generalities…
Making general statements like “I love nature” or “My work is about contrast” without supporting evidence can be misleading and underwhelming.
To make your statement truly effective, it’s crucial to provide specific details that demonstrate the unique qualities of your work.
For example, let’s consider the statement “I play with colour in my work”. This could be revised to say:
“I am fascinated by the emotional power of colour and the way it can be used to evoke different moods and feelings. In my work, I experiment with bold, vibrant hues and unexpected colour combinations to create a sense of energy and movement.”
By sharing specific details about your colour choices and creative process, you give readers a deeper understanding of what makes your work stand out and how it reflects your artistic vision.
3. Focus on Relevant Information…
Your Artist Statement should focus on the most important element of your work and process.
Personal information such as hobbies, jobs, pets, and family members that are not directly related to your art can distract from your main message and dilute the impact of your statement.
Instead, stick to information that is relevant to your art and helps readers understand your inspiration, process, and unique approach. This could include details about your creative influences, the materials and techniques you use, the themes that you explore, and your goals as an artist.
Remember, your Artist Statement is a chance to communicate the essence of your work and the ideas behind it, so focus on the most impactful and relevant information. Aim for a statement that is concise, clear, and engaging, typically two to four paragraphs in length.
4. Clearly Identify Your Art…
Your Artist Statement should provide context for your work and help readers understand what they’re looking at. Before diving into your inspiration, take a moment to clearly identify the type of art you create.
This could be as simple as including a brief description of your medium, style, or subject matter in the first sentence or two of your statement. For example:
“My mixed media abstract drawings are inspired by the fluidity of natural forms and the chaos of the urban landscape.”
By clearly identifying your art in your statement, you set the stage for a more impactful and meaningful discussion of your inspiration and creative process.
5. Vary Your Descriptive Language…
Your Artist Statement is a chance to showcase the unique qualities of your work, and using descriptive language is an important part of the process. However, using the same adjective repeatedly can quickly become repetitive and detract from the overall impact of your statement.
To avoid this, consider using a thesaurus to expand your vocabulary and find fresh, descriptive words to convey your ideas. This will help you convey the essence of your work in a more nuanced and impactful way, while avoiding the repetition that can detract from your message.
For example, instead of repeatedly using the word “colourful”, consider using words like “vibrant”, “rich”, “saturated”, or “hued” to describe your work. Similarly, instead of repeating the word “moody”, consider using words like “atmospheric”, “evocative” or “introspective”.
By varying your descriptive language, you’ll create a more engaging and impactful Artist Statement that effectively conveys the essence of you work.
6. Avoid Using Complex or Technical Language…
Your Artist Statement is not a place to show off your expertise in art-speak or impress others with your extensive knowledge of art theories. Instead, it is an opportunity to engage with a broader audience and help them understand your work and what inspired it.
To achieve this, it’s essential to write in a clear, concise, and accessible language. Use simple, straightforward language to explain your concepts and ideas. Avoid using complex terms or expressions that might confuse your reader.
For example, instead of writing: “My work seeks to deconstruct the binary system of representation through the use of intertextuality”, write “I use my art to challenge the traditional ways of representing and explore the relationships between different texts”.
By doing so, you can ensure that your Artist Statement is both engaging and accessible to a wider audience, regardless of their prior knowledge of art or its terminology.