What’s in an artist statement?
I think this question is essential to answer – how can one talk effectively about one’s practice without this as a basis from which to work?
Artquest says:
An artist statement is a short piece of writing about your work, practice and wider intellectual concerns. It should act as an introduction to your practice as a whole, highlighting the common threads of ideas, motivations and process running through your work. A longer statement may go into more detail about specific works. A statement should give the reader a better understanding of where your practice and interests come from, influences on you or your work, and support them in interpreting what you do.
It recommends use of plain English and emphasises the importance of staying on topic – your practice – rather than questioning wider philosophical concepts. Consider talking about media used, processes, themes, ideas, concerns, outside influences, and explain what unites individual pieces of work into a practice.
I think the ideal statement reflects the personality of the artist, and a unique writing style is good as long as it isn’t distractingly quirky.
I also find the rhythm and emotive potential of words important. For example, break has little effect on me, whereas I find fracture quite emotive, especially when used alongside words in an alliterative way, such as fragment. Punctuation can enhance the effect so, for example, an abrupt structure adds to the impact of discord within a sentence. But perhaps what affect one is a very personal experience?
I believe an effective artist statement shouldn’t close down discussion – pin and fix things into position with no loose ends. Rather, its purpose should be to provide a launch point that gives the reader more information than they possessed before, but leaves room for manoeuvre for thoughts and interpretations to develop.
And if this entire topic is too boring to contemplate, there’s always Charlotte Young’s unique take on the artist statement – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v8DbLWAXvU!
http://www.artquest.org.uk/articles/view/how-to-write-an-artist-s-statement
What do YOU think an artist statement should contain?
