What is an Artist Statement?
An artist statement is a written description of an artists work, it could be for an individual piece or a body of work.
Questions to Consider
When viewing (or making) a work of art it can help to think about what do you see, smell, hear, taste, or feel.
When writing an artist statement be genuine, clear, and concise. Below are some questions that might help you get started (you do not necessarily need to answer all of these questions, but it is a good place to start.)
What
Who
Why
How
When writing an artist statement be genuine, clear, and concise. Below are some questions that might help you get started (you do not necessarily need to answer all of these questions, but it is a good place to start.)
What
- Include the basic facts about the work. What is the medium, dimension, and title of the work?
Who
- What or who inspired your work? What were your influences?
Why
- What are the underlying ideas/concepts that inform the work?
- What did you try to express or communicate? What is your work about?
How
- How did you approach the project? How did you think it through before starting, what research did you complete, what solutions did you discover?
- What part of the project was challenging?
- Have you revised your work? Did these revisions improve it?
- Were you able to explore the project to your satisfaction?
- What breakthroughs have you had, or what did you learn as a result of your work?
Resources
How To Write An Artist Statement: Tips From The Art Experts | Agora Gallery
Writing an Artist Statement [PDF] | SAIC
Examples
Writing an Artist Statement [PDF] | SAIC
Examples