Comments on: 6 Tips for Writing an Artist’s Statement

By: Nathan

Nathan — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:31:52 +0000

If you’re coming up with a statement after the fact, then it will be harder to do–compiling separate pieces into one whole after the fact is not easy. Ask a computer programmer. If you have one theme in mind, it’s easier to create the pieces to fit the theme than to create a theme to fit the pieces.

An artist’s statement should be easy to write. Why do you create these images? If you can’t come up with a reason for making them, how can you expect everyone else to come up with a reason for looking at them, much less liking them and treating them as art instead of snapshots? Why are you drawn to that subject? The viewing public will invariably care more for the subject than the execution, so why should they pay attention to a subject that they might not have noticed in the first place?

Answer these two questions, and then you’re done.

By: Johana Nunez

Johana Nunez — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:44:45 +0000

Thank You so Much! I was taking a Course of Photography and I didn’t have idea for how to make a statement. This is was so helpful!

By: Fiona

Fiona — Tue, 03 May 2011 09:21:45 +0000

This article has been a brilliant help. I have been procrastinating over my artist statement for my degree show for a long time now and this has really helped to get me started and in the right direction – so thank you!

By: Mack Oneal

Mack Oneal — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:36:06 +0000

I’ve under no circumstances been out of the country, either have my kids or husband, so this is quite the journey, and I will definitely be sharing our knowledge. Although I am gone, though, I have the web site to instantly publish pictures every day.

By: Mike Wood

Mike Wood — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:43:01 +0000

I am working on an artist statement for an upcoming international show and this has been helpful in refining the current statement I use which is too verbose and sorely needs working on.

Thanks!

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:06:26 +0000

Awesome. I found this while struggling through writing an artist statement. I’m a ceramic artist, but it all still applies wonderfully. I think I’m going to try my hand at the haiku. =) Thanks!

By: Henry Hotshoe

Henry Hotshoe — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:31:26 +0000

Great information and excellent advice. As a publisher, we find many photographers are uncomfortable with this process. They view it as self promotion and marketing hype. Most artist are not comfortable with the concept of marketing.

An artist’s statement completes the story and adds interest for your audience. A well written statement can be great way to differentiate yourself. It helps people to remember you and your body of work because you have shared insight with them.

An artist statement is most relevant for anyone who’s work is being published or for anyone trying to build their own “brand.” Marketing should be a byproduct of the statement – not the focus.

By: PhotoPatzer

PhotoPatzer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:01:38 +0000

Karen Stuebing – That is a fantastic idea!

Helpful tip DPS! i like how it follows the KISSH rule! (Keep It Simple Stupid & Humble)

By: Karen Stuebing

Karen Stuebing — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:56:06 +0000

“A friend once suggested that I do a haiku for my statement, which I thought was a genius idea.”

Taking photographs
Is what I most like to do
Hope you like them too

Seriously, great tips. Also love your photography. And your statement is concise and interesting.

Should you put down where you’ve been published or galleries your work is in or is that too much information too? Maybe a link to your website?

By: kate.si

kate.si — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:46:50 +0000

I always hated the idea of these. Whenever something like this is required I just put down “I make stuff” and move on. Load of rubbish really. If you have a great artist statement but all your work sucks (as I’m sure everyone’s seen before at least once) you look like a prat. Also that’s probably a hint that you should’ve gone into writing.