Artist Statements

The process of writing an Artist Statement can seem daunting at first.

How do you represent who you are on a small piece of paper? How do you show where you've been and where you want to go? How do you convey your drive? Your passion? Your talent?

Guidelines for Artist Statements are often vague and lacking in details. Use this to your advantage; make everything in your statement a symbol of your self-identity-- everything from the content down to the font, to the overall appearance of the statement itself.

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*Here's a compilation of info. & tips about creating and shaping an Artist Statement from Julia P:

WHAT IS AN ARTIST STATEMENT?
A brief text composed by an artist and intended to explain, justify, and contextualize a body of work or create context for performances.

AN ARTIST STATEMENT CAN TAKE ANY OF SEVERAL DIRECTIONS:
- Information about your background
-Development of your work
-Interests as an artist or aesthetic position
-Your future artistic direction
-Any other information you feel pertinent

WHEN IS AN ARTIST STATEMENT USED?
- Apply for commissions
- Apply for schools
- Apply for residencies
- Apply for jobs
- Awards
- Forms of institutional support such as grants

ARTIST STATEMENT TIPS:
- Write your statement in language that anyone can understand
-Your statement is about you, so personalize
-Make “I” statements, rather than “you” statements
-Be specific, not vague
-Avoid obscure references to music, art, dance, literature, or anything else that require detailed explanations
-Avoid comparing yourself to other artists
-Don’t instruct people on how to see, feel, behave, respond, or otherwise relate to your art
- GET FEEDBACK!
- Be genuine and honest
-Be consistent and focused
- Be simple, clear, and direct
-ALWAYS spell check and review for grammatical errors
-Avoid self-indulgence

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING YOUR ARTIST STATEMENT:
-What are the basic themes of your work?
-Why did you create this work?
-What drives you as an artist to make the work you do or perform the way you do?
-What are some of your sources or influences?
-How does this work differ from your previous work?
-What are your plans for the future?
-Where is your art taking you?

Check out this page for sample Artist Statments from emerging and established artists:
http://www.dancesurvival.com/artist-statements.php

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REMEMBER: Be yourself! Don't try to change who you are to suit a panel's expectations. Demonstrate your relevance, don't fabricate it.