If you're an artist who submits work to juried art shows, one of the most important things you can do as part of the submission process is to create an effective artist statement. An artist statement is a brief written statement that accompanies your artwork and provides insight into your artistic process, inspiration, and overall vision. It's a great way to help jurors and potential buyers understand your work and connect with you as an artist. Here are some tips on how to create an artist statement that will help you stand out from the competition.
1. Define your artistic style and vision
The first step in creating an artist statement is to define your artistic style and vision. What inspires you to create? What techniques do you use to create your art? What themes or ideas do you explore in your work? These are all important questions to ask yourself when crafting your statement. Take the time to reflect on your creative process and try to articulate your artistic style and vision in a clear and concise manner.
2. Keep it concise and to the point
When writing your artist statement, it's important to keep it concise and to the point. Avoid using jargon or overly complex language, and focus on communicating your ideas in a way that is easy for the reader to understand. Aim for a statement that is around 200-300 words in length, and make sure that every sentence serves a purpose.
3. Make it personal
Your artist statement should be personal and reflective of your unique perspective as an artist. Don't be afraid to share your personal experiences that have influenced your work. This can help jurors and buyers connect with you on a deeper level and understand the meaning behind your art.
4. Edit and revise
Once you've written your artist statement, it's important to edit and revise it until you're happy with the final product. Have a friend or colleague read it over and provide feedback. Make sure that your statement is free of errors and that it accurately represents your artistic style and vision.
5. Tailor your statement to the show
When submitting your work to juried art shows, it's important to tailor your artist statement to the specific show you're applying to. Take the time to research the show and its theme, and try to incorporate that theme into your statement in a meaningful way. This can help your work stand out from the competition and show jurors that you're serious about your craft.
An artist statement is an essential tool for any artist, as it allows them to clearly articulate the inspiration, intention, and meaning behind their work. It provides insight into the artist's creative process. Additionally, an artist statement can help artists to establish their unique voice and style, and it can be used as a marketing tool to promote their work to galleries, curators, and potential buyers. Overall, an artist statement is a crucial component of an artist's professional practice, and it is important for artists to take the time to craft a thoughtful and compelling statement that accurately reflects their artistic vision.