What is an Artist's Statement and How Often Should it be Updated?

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By Yasmeen Abdur-Rahman

An artist’s statement is a statement of ideas and thoughts that
describe your philosophy, vision, and passion towards your artistic
creations.

Ponder over the following questions prior to writing your artist’s
statement:

• Is your work whimsical, thought provoking, or edgy?
  
• Does it portray a series of stories?

• Whom or what has influenced you the most?

• How is your work meaningful to you?

How do you begin to write your artists statement? You could begin by
writing a quote that has inspired you and your work, or you could create
a strong sentence that summarizes your philosophy about your life and
how art has changed your views on life in general. You could also
include what type of style and technique that motivates you the most
while creating your art creation.

Some artists have writer’s block when it comes to putting down their
thoughts on paper. I would suggest that you start with words that best
describe your art and inner thoughts then go back to edit them into
definite statements. Most artists know and feel what they are trying to
convey to their audience, however, writing it down becomes a huge task.

Personally, I believe your artist’s statement should be written by
yourself because of the personal touch you would be able to provide to
it. No one knows better about your artistry other than yourself. Your
audience will get a feel of what your inner thoughts are and how you
find this passion to be a lifestyle and not a hobby.

Make sure you aren’t using too many words that only artists would
recognize. Express yourself while allowing your words to flow. You are
expressing your passion; so don’t feel pressured to become a renounced
writer.

While being an artist is a rewarding career, unfortunately, there are
people outside of this industry who would say it is a hobby. So, it is
very important to express how you feel about your craft through your
artist’s statement. Writing a one-page statement would be sufficient in
getting your statement across to your audience, but if it runs to a page
two, that’s fine. Clearly, it shows your audience that you are vividly
and precisely getting your thoughts across.

Your artist’s statement should be updated as your career inspires new
direction and when there are profound events that have captured new
inspirations in your creative vision. Your statement could be updated at
the same pace similar to updating your résumé.

If you’re still unsure how to get started, here are two excellent
sites that have sample statements: Molly Gordon or National
Association of Independent Artists.

Your artist’s statement is a very important tool. Take a block of
time out of your daily or weekly schedules to create the type of
statement that will allow your audience to understand how you began your
journey.

Yasmeen Abdur-Rahman, Virtual Assistant & Lifestyle Entrepreneur
Coach, is the owner of a home-based business called
The Brownstone Workshop. If you need your artist support materials (ASMs)
professionally created and updated along with other administrative, ad
hoc services, or lifestyle coaching, call on Yasmeen at (919) 319-6271,
via e-mail yasmeen033@aol.com or visit her website.

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