Reflection #5: Artist Statement

Here are some good ways to write an artist statement. Reviewing questions and ways of writing with the class is a great way to teach them. Showing examples of good and bad statements may help the student see and improve on their own statements. Giving specific rules and guidelines to follow helps the students write a accurate statement. Especially with younger kids giving specific questions for them to answer like; What do you think you were best at? What do you think you could improve on? What was the hardest part of this assignment? etc...

Here are some great Ideas I found:

Your artist's statement can be a moving testament to your creativity and integrity. The expression of this commitment will vary, but the effectiveness of your artist's statement stems from the authority with which you write it. (1)

1. Take five minutes and think about why you do what you do. How did you get into this work? How do you feel when work is going well? What are your favorite things about your work? Jot down short phrases that capture your thoughts. Don't worry about making sense or connections. The more you stir up at this point, the richer the stew. (1)

2. Make a list of words and phrases that communicate your feelings about your work and your values. Include words you like, words that make you feel good, words that communicate your values or fascinations. Be loose. Be happy. Be real. Think of these as potential seasonings for your stew. You don't have to choose which ones to use just yet, so get them all out of the cupboard. (1) 

3. Answer these questions as simply as you can. Your answers are the meat and potatoes of your stew. Let them be raw and uncut for now.(1)

What is your favorite tool? Why?

                 .  What is your favorite material? Why?

                 .  What do you like best about what you do?

                 .  What do you mean when you say that a piece has turned out really well?

                 .  What patterns emerge in your work? Is there a pattern in the way you select materials? In the way you use color, texture or light?

                 .  What do you do differently from the way you were taught? Why? (1)

• Make "I" statements, rather than "you" statements. Talk about what your art does for you, not what it's supposed to do for the readers. This doesn't mean that you start every sentence with "I," but rather that you respect people's autonomy and allow them to respond to your art as they wish. (2)

1. (“How to Write and Use and Artist’s Statement” Molly Gordon, mollygordon.com )

2. ( “Your Artist Statement: Explaining the Unexplainable” http://www.artbusiness.com/artstate.html)

3. (“Emphasis Art”, Frank Wochiak and Robert D. Clements)