The purpose of an Artist Statement is to make a statement, or summary, about your artwork, either in general or about specific pieces. It is an opportunity to tell the audience about the meaning behind the work, the materials used and issues that are being addressed without physically having to stand next to your work for the duration of the exhibition. You are not telling the viewer how to react or what to think about your work, but rather you are giving them a basic introduction to why you do what you do. You can change your artist statement as often as you like, catering it to the work being shown and the location of the exhibition.

An artist statement is an opportunity for you, as an artist, to talk about your work without having to be present. Generally, an artist statement is written in the first person and is anywhere from a paragraph to an entire page, but no more than a page; people will have a hard time paying attention to anything more than a page. Try to keep your statement on topic and to the point. Avoid using excessive amounts of technical terms that someone without art training will not understand.

You are not writing a novel and the viewer will become bored with anything longer than a page. Use common, everyday language. If you must use technical terms, make sure you explain them. If you use the same artist statement for a number of exhibitions, review it for each exhibition to make sure of its relevance to your current work.

»  Download an Example Artist Statement

Step 1
Think about your artwork: why you create, what materials you use, the purpose or motivation behind it, what inspired you, the message you are conveying, the subject, etc.

Step 2
Think about the types of questions people may have about your work. Think about how you can answer those questions with a description of your process instead of telling the viewer what to think or how to feel. Usually a viewer will want to know why you work in a certain media. Think about your chosen media and why you use it.

Step 3
Write down words that describe your work. Examples – bright, engaging, texture, dark, open, repetitive, etc. Make sure that you use words that describe your work. Do not randomly pick big words from a thesaurus.

Step 4
Develop the words that describe your work into sentences: Describe the processes you employ, the materials you use, what you enjoy about it, why you create it, the message you are conveying, why you use certain techniques, etc. Be aware of verb tenses and make sure that you write in the present tense. When talking about your work, never say that you were trying to convey an idea. By saying that you tried to convey something, you are really saying that you did not succeed. Use "I" statements and not "you" statements. Remember, you cannot tell the viewer what to think or feel. You can tell them though, what you were thinking and feeling when you created your work. Keep your sentences concise and to the point.

For Example:

• I enjoy the process of...
• My work deals with...
• My work is...
• I am fascinated with...
• The purpose behind my work is...
• I like the idea that...
• I am exploring the...
• My technique...
• When I begin a piece I...

Step 5
Develop your sentences into paragraphs. Read aloud to make sure the sentences flow smoothly. Re-arrange as needed. Make sure that you are saying everything you need and want to say. Avoid lengthy statements and don’t try to come up with the one sentence to sum up all of your work. Your artist statement will change as you change and as your work changes. Explain connections between processes and outcomes.

If your work is about saving turtles and consists of paint and six-pack plastic rings, explain the connection between the two. Just saying that the plastic rings represent the struggles of the turtles will confuse people. Avoid references that are obscure and that would require a great deal of explaination. Avoid comparing yourself to another artist – only someone else can make the comparison. Instead, you can say that your work is inspired by a certain artist or style.

Step 6
Have a colleague, friend, advisor, parent, or the Illinois Central College Writing Lab read your artist statement. Often when writing about your own work, you think a sentence makes sense when in reality it is confusing. Listen to opinions from others and try the suggestions offered by the person who is proofing your statement. If you don’t like the suggestions offered, that’s ok, you do not have to follow them. Make sure that you do not have any misspelled words and that your verb tense is consistent throughout the statement. Don’t fear, after writing a few artist statements, you will get the hang of it.

Step 7
Make sure that you save your statement on the computer and also on a CD or flash drive so you have it for future statements. Oftentimes you can reuse certain parts of a previous statement and cater it to the purpose at hand. When you save your statement, don’t just save it under the heading "Artist Statement" but save it also by date and by purpose. Look at it occasionally and update as needed.

For example:
"Artist Statement ICC Solo Show 2007" or "Artist Statement BFA Application"

Step 8
Print out your artist statement and sign it! Print your artist statement on the same paper as your resume, biography and cover letter. Avoid cute generic paper. Stick with standard white, ivory, or any neutral solid color paper.

Uses for an Artist Statement

• Post at an exhibition of your work at a gallery
• Include in your application for admission to an art program at a 4 year school
• Include with your proposal to a gallery's call for submissions
• Include with an application for a scholarship
• Include with an application for an artist's grant