By Carolyn Edlund

Courtesy John Borys

Have you created an artist statement somewhere back in time, and not looked at it lately? Writing a concise, effective statement that encompasses your ideas, methods, practice and intention is not easy, but it is really worthwhile.  Perhaps you would rather just ignore it. Or maybe you believe you really don’t need one. 

Why is that statement useful, and how can it help you get noticed, gain publicity and make sales?

  1. Use your artist statement in a press release, press kit, or to grab a reporter’s attention and get an interview.  Featured artists on Artsy Shark frequently send their artist statement with their portfolio when submissions are open. Take a look at the Featured Artists category and scroll through. Check out all the different ways your fellow artists express themselves through their statements.
  2. Want to get funding? An artist statement is frequently required when applying for that all-important grant. Even if you are seeking donations on Kickstarter or other crowdfunding site, use your artist statement as a launching pad to explain your project and pitch your cause.
  3. Have you been asked to speak to a group? Perhaps as a visiting artist, presenting your work to a class or describing your art to gallery visitors? Draw from your statement to plan your talk, whether it is a full lecture or merely speaking clearly about yourself. Refer to it to stay focused on what makes you and your artwork stand out.
  4. Your artist statement allows others to talk about your work. This could be a gallery owner, a curator, docent or reviewer. It could also be a gallery visitor who wants to know more about you as an artist, or to describe your work and ideas to others. Or it could be a customer, using it to share your information with others who admire your work.
  5. Use your artist statement when proposing a project or show. A well-written statement and proposal helps decision makers to understand your vision, and will influence them.
  6. A brochure with photos and information “about the artist” is a promotional tool you can use at retail and wholesale shows, through direct mail, or as a “leave behind” to gain publicity. A strong, well-composed artist statement helps you create effective marketing by sharing your story and ideas with prospective collectors.

Need help in writing your artist statement?  Renee Phillips offers excellent suggestions in her article, “How to Write Your Artist’s Statement with 26 Tips”.

 

Artwork by John Borys. For more information about this artist, please visit his website.
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