Artist Statement Notes

Hey everyone - I hope you've dug out from the weekend! I'm stuck in Ohio until tomorrow after a harrowing 27 hour drive through the storm on Friday evening, but I'll be back tomorrow. It's a long story that I'll tell you about this week!

FANTASTIC posts so far. I'm really enjoying following up on everything everyone has to offer. As requested, I've granted you all admin status so you have the ability to make changes other than just posting.

Remember we'll meet next week at 6pm in our room, then proceed to the talk and Maggie's opening. Have your revised artist statements. I've typed up the notes from our earlier conversation, below:


-Shouldn't be either too specific or too vague
-One issue: how much to talk about materials? Perhaps more important when process especially important to understanding wok.
-Good to describe what work looks like as a way of getting at conceptual content (conceptual content tends to reveal itself through description.)
-Don't say: "My work is about...blah blah" (boring!)
-When to include influences? Could be useful as a frame of reference, if there is an interesting parallel, if the work is a response to other work - but avoid name-dropping! Also, it can seem presumptuous - or possibly could diminish significance of your own work, comparatively.
-Vocabulary: Consider the audience. Maybe different stylistic approaches (different statements) for different purposes.
-What is needed in an artist statement? - primarily, context: but nothing IN PARTICULAR is required. Don't feel beholden to include things, or to write in an academic way.
-Again, good to describe work as a way of getting at concept - don't just say "this is my concept..."
-Good to reveal insider info - something interesting backgrounding your work that sheds light on it, that might not have been suspected.
-Good to write a statement that includes information that will set you apart - or stylistically set you apart.
-Write about what's important TO YOU - don't be afraid to state opinions or make assertions.
-Make sure it's a GOOD piece of writing - doesn't have to sound academic.
-don't take anything about the parameters of the statement for granted - everything about it, it's content - it's stylistic approach - etc - can reveal something about you as an artist. But don't be cryptic!