Ask yourself what you’re doing. What does your art express? What makes your art unique? Ask yourself why you’re doing it. What motivates you to create art? What emotions or ideas are you trying to convey? What does your art mean to you? Ask yourself how you’re doing it. What do you draw inspiration from? What tools and materials do you use? Know that your artist statement will evolve over time as your work evolves and your own understanding of it changes as people respond to it.
Jot down a key idea that informs your work in the center of a blank page. Then spend 15 minutes writing down any words, phrases, feelings, techniques etc. related to that idea. Free writing is another technique that can help get the creative juices going. Spend 5-10 minutes writing whatever pops into your head when you think about your art. You’ll be amazed at what you come up with. [3] X Research source
Your statement should answer the most commonly asked questions about your art, not overwhelm readers with irrelevant facts and minute details. It’s good to articulate your goal, but try to leave space for people to have the experience of your work with their own personal baggage. Brevity and efficiency of language are key. A good statement will leave your readers wanting more.
Write in simple, straightforward, everyday language. Make “I” statements rather than “you” statements. Talk about what your art does for you, not what it’s supposed to do for the viewers. Know your audience but remember that simpler is always better in this situation.
Make sure your readers get it, that they understand what you want them to understand. When they don’t, or you have to explain yourself, do a rewrite and eliminate the confusion. Keep in mind that you alone are the authority for what is true about your work, but feedback on clarity, tone and technical matters such as spelling and punctuation never hurts.
