personal statement for concept art

Crafting Artistic Statements: 10 Powerful Examples & Guide

If you’ve been dreading writing your artist statement, you’re not alone. Although you love working on your artwork , coming up with an artist statement isn’t always easy.

But don’t fear! I’ll share some examples of famous artist statements here. Plus, I’ll walk you through how to write your own artist statement, what to include, and what to skip. 

So, let’s get started!

10 Excellent Artist Statement Examples

Here are ten great artist statement examples you can use for inspiration! Looking at good artist statements can help you decide what to include in your own. But don’t feel like you should copy a sample artist statement – remember to make it unique and personal! 

1. Wassily Kandinsky

“I let myself go. I thought little of the houses and trees, but applied color stripes and spots to the canvas… Within me sounded the memory of the early evening in Moscow – before my eyes were the strong, color-saturated scale of the Munich light and atmosphere, which thundered deeply in the shadows.”

2. Gustav Klimt

“I have never painted a self-portrait. I am less interested in myself as a subject for a painting than I am in other people, above all women… There is nothing special about me. I am a painter who paints day after day from morning to night… Whoever wants to know something about me… ought to look carefully at my pictures.”

3. Mark Rothko

“I’m not interested in relationships of color or form or anything else. I’m interested only in expressing basic human emotions – tragedy, ecstasy, doom, and so on – and the fact that lots of people break down and cry when confronted with my pictures shows that I communicate those basic human emotions… The people who weep before my pictures are having the same religion I had when I painted them.”

4. Edvard Munch

“I was walking along a path with two friends – the sun was setting – suddenly the sky turned blood red – I paused, feeling exhausted, and leaned on the fence – there were blood and tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city – my friends walked on, and I stood there trembling with anxiety – and I sensed an infinite scream passing through nature.”

5. Pablo Picasso

“I have never made trials or experiments. Whenever I had something to say, I have said it in the manner in which it needed to be said… I can hardly understand the importance given to the word “research” in connection with the modern painting. In my opinion to search means nothing in painting. To find is the thing.”

6. Jackson Pollock

“I want to express my feelings rather than illustrate them. It doesn’t matter how the paint is put on, as long as something is said. On the floor, I am more at ease. I feel nearer, more part of the painting, since this way I can walk around it, work from the four sides and literally be in the painting. When I’m painting, I’m not aware of what I’m doing. It’s only after a get-acquainted period that I see what I’ve been about. I’ve no fears about making changes for the painting has a life of its own.”

7. Nancy McIntyre

“What do I want to say with my art? Celebrate the human, the marks people make on the world. Treasure the local, the small-scale, the eccentric, the ordinary: whatever is made out of caring. Respect what people have built for themselves. Find the beauty in some battered old porch or cluttered, human-scale storefront, while it still stands.”

8. Duane Keiser

“My subject matter tends to be those fragmentary passages that reside within the mundane – the in-between spaces of our lives that we see but often do not notice. For me, these paintings are about the pleasure of seeing; of being cognizant of the world around me, and pushing to find an alchemy between the paint, my subject, and the moment. I view each piece as being part of a single, ongoing work.”

9. Charlene Fuhrman-Schulz

“My subject matter is nature, whether it is a traditional landscape or a bird and flower painting. I use traditional materials, ink, and brush on rice paper, to capture movement and life — making the brush dance and the ink sing. Everything is captured in the spontaneous dance and movement of the brush as it meets the rice paper. There is no going back and correcting when painting with ink and rice paper.”

10. Georgia O’Keeffe 

“I have but one desire as a painter – that is to paint what I see, as I see it, in my own way, without regard for the desires or taste of the professional dealer or the professional collector. I attribute what little success I have to this fact. I wouldn’t turn out stuff for order, and I couldn’t. It would stifle any creative ability I possess.”

What is an Artist Statement?

Every artist needs to write an artist statement at some point. But, what is it exactly?

An artist statement gives insight into the artist’s process and creative decisions. It can also explain the themes, ideas, and vision of the artist. You can think of it as an initial introduction to yourself and your work to give a great first impression!

Artist statements officially date back to the 1990s . But while they haven’t been around a long time, artists have always tried to define and explain their work. 

These statements can vary in length from a few sentences to a page or more. Each statement will differ, but you want yours to be memorable and easy to understand.

Most importantly, it should help people to understand your work.

Artist statements are used for many reasons. You may use yours when applying for grants, submitting a portfolio, or for PR and press mentions.  It can also appear on your website. 

So, it’s an essential document you’ll need to create. It’s key to growing your following and building a successful career as an artist. 

Writing an artist statement can also help you to get clear on your overall vision and values. You might need to spend some time reflecting on what your art means to you.

And yes, it does mean you’ll have to put down the paintbrush briefly. But with these tips, you’ll know exactly how to write your artist statement. 

Once it’s written, you can use the same statement again and again. If your artwork evolves over time, you may want to update it slightly. But you’ll have already done the hard work researching, planning, and writing it.

How to Write an Artist Statement

Writing an artist statement sounds daunting, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. 

Here are my simple steps for crafting an engaging and effective artist statement! These tips will take you from a bland statement to an amazing artist’s mission statement.

Use simple language

Don’t overcomplicate your statement or use very academic language. That can put people off reading it. Your statement must be powerful and accessible to everyone.

Use active voice and 1st person perspective

I always recommend using the active voice as it comes across as more confident and powerful. Avoid wishy-washy phrases like:

• I want to … in my work

Instead, switch it to active voice. Instantly, you’ll have a more interesting and captivating statement. 

Using 1st person perspective also ensures that your statement is clear and direct. 

Keep it short and sweet

You want to grab the reader’s attention and hold their interest. Avoid an artist statement that is several paragraphs (or pages!) long. A short artist statement is more powerful. So, it should be concise and to the point, without any filler. 

Condense what you want to say down into as little as possible without losing the meaning. Your artist statement should be short enough to quote! 

Ask yourself questions

Your statement allows you to provide a greater understanding of your creative choices. It can give a window into your thought process, so people can take more from your art.

But you need to ensure you include this information in your statement. Otherwise, you’re missing an opportunity. 

One effective method is to think about what people might want to know from you. What questions do you get asked in interviews?

Here are a few questions you could ask yourself:

• What do you want to achieve with your art?
• How do you create your artwork?
• What type of artist am I?
• How does the process, medium, or technique affect the work?
• What does the reader need to know to understand your artwork?
• What emotions do you want to invoke in the reader?
• Who has influenced you in your artistic career, and particularly in this work?
• Who or what are you addressing in this artwork?
• What else do you want your audience to know?
• How does this work relate to your other works?
• What is your art philosophy?
• How does your artwork fit into the history of art?

Don’t worry – you don’t have to answer all these questions in your statement. You can decide which ones make sense. Remember that short and sweet is better than long and dry – you want to get people interested in you!

Once you’ve identified what people want to know about you and your art, you can consider your responses. 

Do your research

A great way to get inspiration for your artist statement is by looking at other examples. You can read up on how the old masters or contemporary artists describe their work. 

Doing some research will help you understand how to structure your statement. It can also give you food for thought to delve deeper into the meanings of your artwork, too! 

If you’re still struggling, there are artist statement templates you can use to get you started. A template will help you build your statement’s structure so that you can concentrate on the details. 

Step away and come back later to edit

It’s easy to get caught up in the details and overthink something as important as an artist’s statement. This document is meaningful and may provoke lots of thoughts or emotions. 

If you find yourself writing and editing, again and again, take some time to step away. Any piece of writing benefits from a fresh eye. When you work on something for a long time, it’s easy to miss any minor details or mistakes.

I always recommend coming back another day to read through and make any final changes. 

The Wrap Up

Writing your artist statement doesn’t have to be a painstaking process. Now, you’ve had a look at some great artist statements. With these simple tips, you’re all set to craft your own statement now! 

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. Go ahead and share your artist statement once you’ve written it, too! 

Follow me on Pinterest for more tips, guides, and tutorials for creative professionals! 

Outmane is the founder of Proactive Creative. He is an artist/designer.

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Personal statement advice: art and design

Applying to university.

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What art and design tutors are looking for

The underlying message is that tutors want to know about you, your practice, your inspirations, and your aspirations, and for your personal statement to act as written accompaniment to your portfolio and performance at interview.

How to make your art and design statement stand out

Admissions tutors prefer to read personal statements that don't stick to a predictable formula – here are a few tactics to ensure yours packs a punch.

• Focus on the course: Martin Conreen, design admissions tutor at Goldsmiths, University of London, urges applicants for design courses 'not to over mention art' but to stay focused on design. He also feels some applicants waste too much space on non-relevant factors like their sporting achievements.
• Your influences: Martin adds he wants to hear who your influences are, why they inspire you, and 'how their work has resonance with your own, or with your own ideas'.
• Examples of what inspires you: David Baldry, fine art course leader at University Campus Suffolk, echoes this: 'Tell us what inspires you. We want to know what contemporary art interests you, so talk about key artists or an exhibition that made an impression on you. We want to know how you respond to the world creatively, so talk about your experiences or projects you’ve developed independently. Also, edit it so it sounds punchy'.
• Demonstrate your artistic ambitions: Alison Jones, fine art admissions tutor at Goldsmiths, is looking for 'interesting individuals who have a passion for art and a commitment to developing themselves as artists. Therefore, your personal statement should demonstrate an understanding of your own work, focusing on what is unique about your practice'.
• Be original: starting your statement with a well-known quote – such as 'fashion is not something that exists in dresses only' – is inadvisable. 189 applicants quoted that exact Coco Chanel snippet last year, so it really won't make you stand out from the crowd.

It's all summed up nicely by Arts University Bournemouth whose advice is:

'Be focused on the field you're applying for (no scattergun approach), name artists or designers you admire, think contemporary, reflect on exhibitions or galleries or events you've visited, and don't think "I'll tell them at the interview" – put it in the statement!'

Find out more about studying art and design, including entry requirements, why you should study it, and possible careers it could lead on to.  

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• Nazanin Shahbazi
• Updated: August 4, 2024

Step by Step Concept Art Process

Table of contents.

The concept art process involves researching, sketching ideas, refining selected designs, and creating final renderings. It’s important to consider that the techniques used in the concept art process depend on the project and artists’ preferences. Concept art establishes the visual foundation on which the rest of the creative process is built. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what exactly concept art is, the step-by-step process talented artists follow to create it, the tools and techniques used, and why it is such a vital art form for any visual medium involving fictional settings and characters. 

What is Concept Art?

Concept art is preliminary visual representations that establish the artistic vision, style, and mood for films, TV, video games, animation, character design , and other media projects featuring imaginary environments and characters. It is the bridge between written ideas and fully realized visual storytelling.  Some key things concept art establishes:

• The style and look of characters, creatures, objects, wardrobe, landscapes, etc.
• The color palette, lighting, and visual atmosphere of different environment design services .
• The composition and camera angles for important scenes and sequences.
• The scale and proportions of structures, props, and other physical elements.
• The practical functionality of designed elements like technology, costumes, or vehicles.

Concept Art Process

Decide on a clear concept.

The first step in creating concept art is to decide on a clear overall concept through extensive discussions with the director and creative stakeholders. The concept artist needs to fully understand the vision, themes, mood, and goals of the concept art. They determine details like:

• The overall style and time period/setting
• Specific story elements the art needs to communicate

Gather Extensive Reference Materials

Once the broad concept is defined, the artist gathers tons of reference materials relevant to the subject matter. These references help ground the concept art in reality while providing inspiration. The concept artist collects a wide range of photographic and artistic references related to all aspects of the subject matter, including:

• Architecture styles that match the time period or environment
• Landscape photos (if outdoor scenes are involved)
• Textures and patterns for surfaces like stone, wood, fabric
• Props like furniture, technology, tools, etc.
• Flora and fauna for natural environment concept art process
• Lighting references for the time of day and weather
• Fashion styles for clothing, hairstyles, accessories

Create Numerous Thumbnail Sketches

The artist then starts ideating by creating numerous small thumbnail sketches, quickly exploring different compositions, poses, camera angles, lighting, and other visual options. The rough thumbnails lay out the general ideas and arrangements in simple forms. The artist reviews these with the director and stakeholders, gets feedback, and determines which concepts to pursue further. The artist does quick, rough thumbnail sketches on paper or digitally to lay out many different options for:

• Character poses and silhouettes
• Compositional arrangements
• Camera angles and perspective
• General lighting, values, and color palette (Based on the color definition in art )

Develop Tighter Rough Sketches

Moving forward, the chosen ideas are developed into tighter rough sketches with more details defined.   Based on chosen ideas, the artist makes more detailed rough sketches defining:

• Specific shapes (Based on the shape language ), forms, and proportions
• Perspective and depth
• Light and shadow shapes
• Details like facial features and human anatomy

The goal is to clarify and refine the concept more while still keeping it loose and exploratory. This moves the concept closer to the final visualization.

Create Monochromatic Value Art

At times, the artist will take a sketch into monochromatic values by painting it in grayscale or limited color. It acts as a lighting and value study analyzing the concept in simplified terms. The artist may take a sketch in grayscale or limited color to focus on:

• How lighting and shadows interact with forms
• Composition and Visual Hierarchy
• Accuracy of perspective and depths
• Drawing attention to focal points

Add Final Painting and Details

Finally, the artist takes their work into final rendering and details to fully realize the concept. This fully illustrated concept art becomes a guide for the rest of the production team. The artist takes their work into the final rendering by:

• Painting textures, surfaces, lighting
• Adding color that enhances mood and atmosphere
• Incorporating graphic design embellishments
• Creating special effects if needed
• Refining all details and polishing the execution

The result is a fully illustrated visualization that clearly communicates the artistic goals of the project.

Concept Art Themes and Styles

Depending on the project, concept art can vary greatly in terms of themes, styles, and genres, and this is why the time estimations and price rates for concept art projects are different. Here are some of the most common:

• Science Fiction Concept Art
• Fantasy Concept Art
• Comic Book Concept Art
• Animation Concept Art
• Historical Concept Art

Types of Concept Art

The different types of concept art all contribute to establishing the visual world. They provide crucial perspectives on characters, environments, objects, and story moments that come together to form a cohesive and immersive visual experience. Here are a few main types of concept art that a concept art studio may provide:

Character Concept Art

Environment Concept Art

Vehicle/Prop Concept Art

Storyboarding

Matte Paintings

Why is Concept Art Important?

Concept art is a crucial early step in visual transmedia storytelling . Here are some of the key reasons it is so important:

• Brings ideas to life visually
• Provides unified artistic direction
• Enables creative experimentation
• Catches potential issues early
• Facilitates clear feedback
• Saves time and money
• Inspires team enthusiasm
• Allows creative risk-taking
• Communicates effectively
• Realizes the impossible

Concept Art Artist

The goal of a concept artist is to create compelling visual content that allows directors to make informed creative decisions and provides a target creative vision for production teams to work towards bringing to life.  The most well-known and influential concept artists:

Ilya Nazarov – The Lord of the Rings and Avatar films Jama Jurabaev – The HBO series Game of Thrones Ian McCaig – Legendary Star Wars and  Darth Maul  Kang Le – Disney, Moana, Frozen, Big Hero 6, and more John Park – Spider-Man films and the classic Marvel hero Jamaal Bradley – Riot Games and League of Legends Wei Zheng – Epic Games on Fortnite

In summary, concept art is the crucial first step in manifesting the worlds that exist within creators’ imaginations. Concept art transforms ideas into images. The iterative process of thumbnailing, sketching, refining, and rendering allows ideas to progress from loose impressions to impressive, fully illustrated visuals. Without the vital creativity and problem-solving of concept art, translations from ideas to final visuals would be scattered and inefficient. So the next time you get engrossed in the environments of a sci-fi film or smitten with an animated character’s charm, remember the concept artists who first dreamt it into being.

Nazanin is a multifaceted content manager who weaves words and designs with equal finesse. We know her as a writer by day and a reader by night. With a mind that never rests and a pen always at the ready, Nazanin continues to explore the intersections of creativity and the written word. Her philosophical touchstone, "Find the way, take away," is not just a motto—it's the skeleton key that unlocks the essence of any challenge.

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Artist Statement of Purpose Examples: Crafting Your Fine Art Personal Statement

Dirghayu Kaushik

When it comes to pursuing a career in fine art, a well-crafted artist statement of purpose can be your ticket to success. Whether you’re applying for an MFA, BFA, or a position in the art world, your personal statement holds the key to showcasing your passion, creativity, and dedication.

In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into artist statement of purpose examples, helping you understand how to articulate your love for art effectively and create a compelling personal statement.

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• The Importance of a Personal Statement

Your personal statement, often interchangeably referred to as a statement of purpose (SOP), is your opportunity to tell your unique story as an artist. It allows admissions committees or potential employers to get to know you beyond your portfolio or resume.

Your personal statement should convey your artistic journey, influences, experiences, and future aspirations. It’s a chance to make a lasting impression and demonstrate why you are a perfect fit for your chosen fine art program or career in the art world.

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• Crafting a Captivating Introduction

Personal Statement

Your personal statement should begin with a captivating introduction that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. Think of it as the opening scene in a captivating movie. Here’s an example:

“Art has always been my muse, guiding my life’s path towards creative expression. From the moment I held a paintbrush, I knew that art was more than just colors on a canvas; it was a form of storytelling, a means to connect with the world and express the deepest facets of my being.”

Expressing Your Love for Fine Art

Your introduction should convey your deep-seated love for fine art. You can talk about when and how your passion for art first ignited. Maybe it was a childhood memory of visiting an art museum, or perhaps you had an inspiring art teacher who encouraged your creativity. Sharing this personal connection with art can draw readers into your narrative.

Defining Your Artistic Identity

In the introduction, you should also touch upon what makes your artistic identity unique. What sets you apart as an artist? Do you have a signature style, technique, or theme that defines your work? This is the time to provide a glimpse into what makes your art special.

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• Sharing Concrete Examples of Your Work and Experiences

Statement Examples

Once you’ve captured your reader’s attention with a compelling introduction, it’s time to delve into the heart of your personal statement by sharing concrete examples of your work and experiences. This section should showcase your artistic journey and demonstrate your dedication to your craft.

Highlighting Artistic Milestones

In this section, you can mention significant milestones in your artistic journey. These could include exhibitions, awards, or collaborations that have shaped your development as an artist. For instance:

“Over the years, I have had the privilege of showcasing my work in prestigious galleries and museums, such as the Tate Modern in London. These opportunities not only exposed my art to a wider audience but also pushed me to constantly evolve as an artist.”

By highlighting these achievements, you demonstrate your commitment to your art and your ability to thrive in the competitive art world.

Discussing Artistic Influences

Artists are often inspired by the work of others. Share the artists or artworks that have influenced your creative process. You might mention famous painters, sculptors, or contemporary artists whose work resonates with you. Explaining how these influences have shaped your artistic perspective can provide insight into your unique approach to art.

Detailing Your Educational Background

If you’ve pursued formal education in fine art, whether it’s an undergraduate degree, a BFA, or an MFA, this is the place to discuss it. Talk about your academic journey, the courses that had a profound impact on you, and any mentors who guided your artistic growth. Be sure to convey how your education has contributed to your development as an artist.

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• Exploring Specific Interests and Influences

Art and Design Personal Statement

Art is a vast and diverse field, and this section allows you to explore your specific interests and influences in greater detail. Whether you’re passionate about painting, sculpture, graphic design, or any other art form, here’s where you can delve into the heart of your creative focus.

Passion for a Specific Art Form

Share your deep-seated passion for your chosen art form. Explain why you are drawn to it and how it allows you to express yourself. For example:

“My fascination with seascapes and the fragility of nature has been a recurring theme in my work. It’s a subject that allows me to explore the vastness and immensity of the natural world while conveying its fragility.”

Artistic Inspirations

Discuss the artists or movements that have had a profound impact on your work within your chosen art form. Whether it’s the abstract expressionism of Jackson Pollock or the precision of Renaissance art, detailing these influences adds depth to your personal statement.

Your Creative Process

Take the reader on a journey through your creative process. How do you approach your work? Do you start with sketches, embrace spontaneity, or meticulously plan each piece? Sharing your process can provide insight into your artistic mindset.

• Articulating Your Goals and Aspirations

Fine Art Personal Statement

Your personal statement should not only reflect on your past but also look to the future. What are your artistic goals and aspirations? Where do you see yourself in the art world? This section allows you to articulate your vision and ambition as an artist.

Short-Term Goals

Discuss your immediate goals within the art world. Whether it’s participating in specific exhibitions, collaborating with fellow artists, or mastering a new technique, these short-term objectives reveal your drive and commitment.

Long-Term Aspirations

Take a broader view and share your long-term aspirations. Do you dream of curating your own gallery, teaching art to the next generation, or becoming an internationally recognized artist? Expressing these ambitions paints a vivid picture of your future in the art world.

Why This Program or Career?

If you’re applying to a specific program, be it an MFA or a job opportunity, explain why it’s the perfect fit for your artistic journey. Mention how the program’s curriculum, faculty, or mission align with your goals.

• Tailoring Your Statement for MFA and BFA Applications

MFA and BFA

Depending on whether you’re applying for a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program, there are specific elements to emphasize in your personal statement.

MFA Program Emphasis

For MFA applicants, emphasize your commitment to furthering your craft and the advanced level of artistry you bring to the table. Discuss your readiness for the intensive program and your eagerness to engage in critical discourse with fellow artists.

“Enrolling in the MFA program at [University Name] is a natural step in my journey to become a professional artist. I am ready to immerse myself in a community of dedicated artists, engage in rigorous critiques, and push the boundaries of my creative practice.”

BFA Program Emphasis

Similarly, BFA applicants should convey their passion and readiness to embark on their educational journey. Highlight your enthusiasm for learning and your willingness to explore various aspects of fine art.

“I am eager to embark on the BFA program, where I can continue to refine my graphic design and photography skills. This program’s focus on nurturing emerging artists aligns perfectly with my goals of honing my craft and exploring new artistic horizons.”

• Showcasing Your Love for Art History

Art History

For those with a passion for art history, your personal statement should reflect your deep love for the subject and your desire to explore its intricacies.

Unearthing Art Historical Insights

Share your favorite periods, artists, or art movements within the scope of art history. Discuss why you find these aspects particularly fascinating and how they have influenced your perspective.

“Art history has been my guiding light in understanding the evolution of artistic expression. I am particularly captivated by the Romantic period and its emphasis on emotion, individualism, and nature, as seen in the works of artists like Caspar David Friedrich.”

Academic Pursuits

If you’re applying for graduate studies in art history, discuss your academic interests and the areas of art history you wish to explore further. Mention any research projects, papers, or presentations that showcase your dedication to the field.

“ During my undergraduate studies, I delved into the complexities of American art history. My thesis on the impact of Abstract Expressionism on post-war American society was a testament to my commitment to scholarly pursuits in this field .”

• Conclusion: Crafting Your Artistic Narrative

Crafting a compelling artist statement of purpose is an art form in itself. By drawing inspiration from these examples and infusing your personal experiences, you can create a statement that reflects your passion for fine art.

Remember, your personal statement is your opportunity to shine and convey why you are a perfect fit for your chosen fine art program or career in the art world.

In closing, let your personal statement be a testament to your love for art and your unwavering commitment to the world of creativity. Use it as a canvas to paint your story, one brushstroke at a time, and let your passion shine through every word. Your artistic journey begins with your statement of purpose, so make it a masterpiece.

With this comprehensive guide, you now have the tools and inspiration to craft a personal statement that leaves a lasting impression and sets you on a path toward success in the world of fine art. Embrace your creativity, share your story, and let your love for art guide you on this incredible artistic journey.

What should I include in my artist statement of purpose?

Your statement should cover your artistic journey, influences, experiences, and future aspirations. Use concrete examples to illustrate your passion for fine art.

How long should my personal statement be?

Aim for a concise statement, typically around 500-800 words. Be sure to follow any specific word limit guidelines provided by the institution or program.

Can I use samples of my work in my statement?

Absolutely! Including images or descriptions of your work can add depth to your statement and showcase your artistic abilities.

Should I mention specific artists or artworks that inspire me?

Yes, mentioning artists or artworks that have influenced you can provide insight into your artistic perspective and passion.

How important is the artist statement in the application process?

Your personal statement is a crucial component of your application. It allows admissions committees to understand your unique voice, passion, and suitability for their program.

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Table of Contents

• • The Importance of a Personal Statement
• • Crafting a Captivating Introduction
• • Sharing Concrete Examples of Your Work and Experiences
• • Exploring Specific Interests and Influences
• • Articulating Your Goals and Aspirations
• • Tailoring Your Statement for MFA and BFA Applications
• • Showcasing Your Love for Art History
• • Conclusion: Crafting Your Artistic Narrative

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How to write an artist statement

I like to think of the artist statement as the wedding toast of the art world. If you wing it, suddenly you’re on the spot in front of a crowd of expectant faces, trying to put into words a relationship (between you and your art) that you’ve always felt intuitively. We’ve all seen those toasts. They don’t go well.

But if you put time and energy into crafting your message beforehand, you’ll actually add to that crowd’s understanding of the significance of this event (your art) and help them feel all the feels more deeply.

I’ve been wrestling with my own artist statements for as long as I’ve been making art. And I must confess, it’s never a task I look upon with glee. This, despite the fact that I write about art for a living. But reading other people’s statements has taught me a lot about what works and what doesn’t, and how to reverse-engineer a killer toast: a clear, concise and compelling artist statement.

— Artist and writer Sarah Hotchkiss

First things first: What is an artist statement?

In the interest of clarity, let’s define “artist statement,” since I’ve already needlessly complicated things by introducing a wedding metaphor into the mix.

An artist statement is a not-too-long series of sentences that describe what you make and why you make it. It’s a stand-in for you, the artist, talking to someone about your work in a way that adds to their experience of viewing that work.

Here are a few things an artist statement is not: a manifesto, an art history lecture, a story about discovering art, short fiction, self-psychoanalysis, a string of adjectives, a grand theory of everything you’ve ever made, or a list of your career accomplishments.

You’ll be called upon to submit artist statements when you apply for residencies, grants, and sometimes, exhibition opportunities. I wrote my first substantial one when I applied to MFA programs. And here’s the secret: even though they can be hard to write, they’re immensely useful. It truly helps me understand my own practice to sit down every few months and translate this nonverbal solitary thing I spend countless hours on into words for a specific audience.

If you’re reading this guide and it’s not the night before an important application is due, you’re already in good shape. Artist statements take time, but they don’t have to be torture. If you can get into the habit of stepping back, evaluating your work, and writing a few sentences about it, you won’t have to start from scratch when you’re down to the wire.

The brainstorming phase

All that said, sitting down and writing clear, concise, and compelling sentences about your art is daunting. So don’t start with sentences. Ease your way into it with a writing exercise that feels exciting, or generative, or natural to you. A few suggestions:

Gather your art in one digital or physical space and really look at it. It’s possible you’ve been working on such a micro level you haven’t taken a macro view in a while. What commonalities and differences do you see? Think holistically about a specific body of art.

Write out a list of adjectives that describe your work. Use both visual and tonal descriptors. Be specific and avoid art jargon. If your art follows in the footsteps of minimalism, could you describe it as quiet? Or rhythmic? Is your work funny, raunchy, messy?

Record yourself describing your art to a friend, family member, or fellow artist. Chances are you’re making statements about your work all the time. Have a studio visit coming up? Record the conversation (with the other person’s permission), transcribe the audio, and mine it for pertinent details.

Think about the emotions and reactions you want your audience to come away with. An artist’s intent may have little bearing on an audience’s interpretation, but an artist statement is one of the few places you get to nudge that audience towards your desired result. Do they learn something from your art or make new connections between disparate subjects? Are you trying to make people feel agitated, joyful, incensed?

Write a casual letter to your best friend about what you’ve been up to in the studio. “Dear Laurie, today I spent five hours papier-mâché-ing a cardboard version of a hamster toy. It came out looking like a first-grader’s craft project, but that’s what I was going for. I think it’ll make you laugh.”

Jeopardy your practice. What are the questions you hope to answer in your work?

Artist statement basics

Suddenly, you have a bunch of words describing your art. Now you get to pick the best ones to fulfill the very basic elements of an artist statement: what, why, and (possibly) how.

What. Make sure to state what medium you work in (paintings, sculptures, installation, non-narrative video, durational performance, etc.). It’s amazing how many statements don’t include that basic fact.

Why. Try not to overthink this one. Look back at your brainstorms and your casual conversations. You make this work because you’re excited about it. What, exactly, are you excited about? Be confident: Your art shouldn’t “hope” or “try” to do something to the viewer, it should just do it. Here is where you can also bring up, without going too far into the art historical weeds, your influences and inspirations.

How. If you have a truly unique process that’s important to understand—or one that images can’t accurately convey—briefly describe how you make your work. (Please note: Collage is not a unique process and there’s no inventive way to describe it as such, even if you use the word “juxtapose.”)

Beyond fulfilling these basic “what, why, and how” requirements, an artist statement can be relayed in whatever tone and sentence structure feels best to you. (I encourage the use of full sentences, as fragments sound flighty.)

That’s it! Really!

Red flags, bad practices, and other traps to avoid

In my many years of reading artist statements (and gallery press releases), I’ve developed an ever-growing list of banned words and phrases. While these ways of writing may sound fancy, they’re actually empty. And using them makes a piece of writing look lazy and nonspecific. Artist statements are particularly susceptible to these traps because we write what we think people want to hear instead of what’s actually true to our work.

Your artist statement should feel like it’s written by you, the artist—not by a critical theorist or an art history professor or a dealer or a curator. The people reading it are looking for an enriched experience of your work and proof that you’ve put some thought into what you’re making. They want to hear your voice—not that of some formulaic art-jargon robot.

So, some things to avoid:

Extreme binaries. Is your work really “examining the strangeness of both interior and exterior spaces?” Is it “both casual and formal?” “Light and dark?” (Similarly, ask yourself, is your work truly “blurring the boundaries between text and subtext?”)

Lazy clichés. Only you make your artwork—so shouldn’t the words you use to describe it be unique and specific as well? If you find yourself using certain words as crutches, or as highfalutin stand-ins for hard-to-articulate ideas, I highly recommend creating your own “banned words” list and keeping it somewhere handy. Then, go back to your brainstorm notes and pick out words or phrases that feel concise, fresh, and truly related to your work.

“International Art English.” Chances are you’ve seen it, read it, and felt unsettled by it in press releases, wall labels, and other people’s artist statements. This muddled and imprecise language seeks to elevate what it describes through nonspecific word choices, invented “spaces” (the space of the real, the space of the dialectical), and complicated grammatical structures. For an in-depth analysis of this phenomenon, propagated most intensely by the art world announcement email service e-flux, please see this fantastic article in Triple Canopy .

False range. Does your practice “range from drawing to sculpture to video to artist books” or do you simply make “drawings, sculptures, videos, and artist books?” False range is a rampant and completely accepted form of writing these days, but the discerning reader will notice it and judge you for it. A false range creates a continuum between one thing and another when there is no actual continuum. Yes, your palette can “range from blues to reds” (color is a spectrum). But your influences cannot include “everything from Wanda Sykes’ stand-up to Tamagotchi pets to tinsel” (there is no middle point between Tamagotchi and tinsel).

Theory. My extremely wise friend and colleague Bean Gilsdorf, longtime art world advice-giver, says this best: “Art theory only has a place in an artist statement if it has a direct bearing on your day-to-day studio practice. Otherwise, skip it.”

You have a draft, now what?

You’ve brainstormed, you’ve answered the what and the why. You’ve avoided all of the above. But chances are you still have a lot of extra baggage in that statement, or it’s not striking quite the right tone, or you feel like it could be more fun to read. Now you get to edit, revise, tweak, trim, and whip that statement into shape.

Read your statement out loud. Trust me, this works. As you read, ask yourself: Is it accurate? Is it descriptive? Is it compelling? Is it me ? Could this statement just as easily be applied to someone else’s work? Make sure it’s specific to what you make—and provides a sense of who you are to the reader.

Look at your art while you reread. Remember, your artist statement should be current . You don’t need to sum up a wide-ranging practice from the beginning of your baby artist days to the present moment. It should reflect whatever images you’re providing alongside it. Put another way, your artist statement shouldn’t be so aspirational that you talk about making room-sized installations while your images are a few small-scale watercolors.

Work it into submission. Read aloud, edit. Read aloud, edit. Take a break (a day, a week), come back to it, read it aloud and ask the above questions again. Remember that this doesn’t have to represent your work forever and ever. Like the U.S. Constitution, an artist statement is a living document. You can update it as often as you like.

Shorter is better. Being economical with words proves you know what you’re doing, that you’re confident in your work, and that you don’t have to couch it in elaborate language to legitimize it. Your statement should be somewhere between 100 and 300 words in length. (This is an example of true range.)

Consider your audience

The tone that you strike in an artist statement for a local group show should probably be different from an artist statement you write for a $100,000 grant opportunity. Every time you start reworking your statement, remember to ask yourself who or what this particular piece of text is for. Write a basic statement that can serve as the foundation for all future artist statements, but make sure you revisit and reevaluate for each application, exhibition, and request.

In order to truly know how your artist statement will be received, and if it’s doing the work you want it to do, you need to have other people read it. I recommend finding a diverse audience of art friends and non-art friends, family, and mentors. This statement should be as legible as possible. Tell them to be brutally honest with you and listen to what they say.

Have a writer friend read your statement for typos. Have someone else read it for typos. Triple-check for typos!

And most importantly, give the people you ask for feedback enough time to read your statement and reply to you. Do not do this: “Hiiiii, this is due in an hour can you look it over for me pls thx bye!”

In summary…

As those who exercise say: no pain, no gain. Statements are hard to write, but they’re good for you. They can help someone gain a deeper understanding of your art, feel more connected to that art and, ultimately, value it. They can make or break an application. And they can help you put words to your practice, giving you the language to understand just what you’re doing and why it’s amazing.

Sarah Hotchkiss

Sarah Hotchkiss is an artist and writer in San Francisco. Since 2015, she’s been the visual arts editor for KQED, the Bay Area’s NPR and PBS affiliate, covering the local visual arts and film scene in online articles. Before wading into the earnest waters of public media, she worked as the communications director for the venerable San Francisco arts nonprofit Southern Exposure. And before that she wrote condition reports in a warehouse that stored Indiana Jones -level amounts of art. She holds an M.F.A. from California College of the Arts and a B.A. from Brown University. In addition to her own studio practice, she watches a lot of science fiction, which she reviews in a semi-regular publication called Sci-Fi Sundays .

• Art Guide , Organize

The Complete Guide to Writing an Artist Statement

Whether it’s a single piece of art or your whole body of work, an artist statement can provide clarity and context to your purposes and processes. A good artist statement can have the power to sway how an audience distinguishes your work. Providing insight on your choice of mediums or the themes you’re aiming to convey can give viewers a deeper understanding and appreciation of your creative intentions.

In this complete guide to writing an artist statement, we will discuss the importance of an artist statement for your art career and provide tips for writing an artist statement . We will also share examples of excellent artist statements and explain what makes them so powerful.

What is an Artist Statement?

Simply put, an artist statement is a description of your work in your own words. It is an explanation of why you do what you do and how you made what you created. You can have an artist statement for each piece of art you create. You can also have an artist statement that represents your entire body of work. An artist statement explains your creative process, including your motivations, inspirations behind, mission, and methods. It should include your choice of mediums and use of tools and techniques.

A well-written artist statement can have the power to break a tie in an art competition, an artist grant application, or secure your spot in a coveted artist residency program. Think of your artist statement as a caption in a broadcast program, similar to what you would include on a social media post. An artist statement , like a caption, aims to improve engagement by giving the visual image desired context and relevance. It will likely appear alongside your work at a gallery, exhibition, art fair display or on a press release of your show. 

Artist Statement vs. Artist Bio

An artist statement is not your life story, a manifesto, or a list of your accomplishments. It is also not an artist biography . An artist biography is a summary of the significant events of your life that lead up to your art career. Unlike an artist statement, an artist bio can be written in the third person. It will include when and where you were born and where you are now based.

An artist bio can talk about how you first became interested in art and where you studied. It can discuss your education, degrees, formal art training, or apprenticeship programs you participated in. Essentially, an artist bio connects the impact your life history has on your artwork and talks about your concepts, philosophies, inspirations, and influences.

An artist statement is typically required when you join an art competition, submit your portfolio to a gallery or museum; it may also be used in press releases. Your artist biography, on the other hand, can be used on your website or your profile on a gallery site. It may also be used in articles, interviews, or exhibition catalogs.

Because an artist bio is the account of your life as an artist, it should remain relatively the same throughout your art career. Artist statements, on the other hand, are more flexible and may change depending on its purpose. It may be changed or tweaked from time to time to stay relevant with any status or developmental changes in your work.

Why You Need an Artist Statement in 2021

From portfolio websites to artists galleries, arts professionals benefit from artist statements in more ways than one. Whether you’re applying for residencies or art collectives, submitting your portfolio to a gallery, or participating in a competition, your artist statement will help you stand-out. Decision-makers will want to learn more about your process. When someone becomes familiar with you, they may search the internet to see what others are saying about your work.

Up-and-coming contemporary artists and performance artists alike use the online platforms to reach more audiences and spread their artistic messages. It’s where people may see your work for the first time and learn about you as a talented visual artist. So without realizing it, your personal brand already exists online – especially if you are active on social media or have a website for your work. And while people are free to form their own opinions about your art, remember that you are the best person to represent and describe your work.

Writing an artist statement is how you can take control of your narrative. We live in a digital era where most things, even art, are first experienced on the internet. And unfortunately, seeing art on a screen can often make it impossible to determine the true nature of the piece.

If they are seeing your art online or a photograph, they will want to know your medium and methods. A still image of a performance art piece may be mistaken for photography while a picture of a sculpture may look like a painting. A hyperrealistic art piece may be so accurate and detailed that it is thought to be a photograph of a real person or object. And without the right description, it may go unnoticed that you have used mixed media or used a highly unique method that sets you apart.

Without proper context, an audience, whether online or in-person, can view your art and become confused, be misled, or often make their assumptions about your message or intention behind your work. And while you have little control over how people interpret your work, the goal of your artist statement is to tell your story in your own words and sway readers in the right direction.

The Components of an Artist Statement

Artist statements vary in length, tone, and purpose. However, all effective artist statements have some qualities in common. They answer the “how,” the “what,” and the “why.”

Medium, materials, and methods – Describing the medium and the materials you use to answer the “how.” How do you create your art? Do you use acrylic, oil paint, or charcoal? Do you use metals, wood, stone, or recycled materials? Do you take your photography work using old film cameras and develop them in your darkroom? Or like everyone, a digital camera?

Subject matter – Sometimes subject matters aren’t always obvious. And often, visual artists would prefer not to put labels on their work to let their audience interpret the work for themselves. However, you can describe your subject matter without directly saying it is. Instead, you can answer the “what” by saying it’s an abstract painting, a landscape, or your interpretation of an everyday object.

Relationship between your concept and materials – Talk about your influences and how they manifest in your work. This is your opportunity to differentiate your work from art that is similar to yours and answer the “why.” Explain why you do what you do and what you hope to achieve. What are your intentions? What message do you hope to convey?  

Tips for Writing an Artist Statement

Feeling the pressure of being both artist and writer? Connecting with your audience by explaining your visual art through written words can be a challenge. However, it doesn’t have to be a painful process. Here are some tips on how to help your audience understand your art and gain insight into your process:

Write in the first person – While some may argue that the third person sounds more professional, the goal of your artist statement is to communicate your work effectively. And the best way to do that is by using your own words, active voice, and first-person language to connect with your audience. When crafting your artist statement, imagine you’re having a conversation with the reader; use “I” and “me.” Allow the reader to see your work through your eyes. The problem with writing in the third person is that it may detach you from the reader and make it seem like someone else is describing your motivations.

Use your voice – Using your voice is different from writing in the first person. Your voice refers to your writing personality. Your style may be humorous, witty, technical, or heartfelt. When writing your artist statement, use your unique perspectives and experiences. And while many artists have inspired your work, try not to copy other people’s words to describe art that is similar to yours.

Consider your audience – While it’s important to stay true to your voice, different situations call for different artist statements. A basic artist statement will suffice if it accompanies your artwork on your website. However, if the artist’s statement is for a grant opportunity, you may need to change your tone slightly to focus more on your goal, purpose, and/or techniques.

Write different versions – It is wise art practice to create different versions of your artist statement. This will save you the time of shortening and lengthening your statement depending on the situation. So before you write your artist statement, know your audience.

Because artist’s statements are used for different purposes, they can vary in length. An artist’s statement accompanying a single piece of work can be a few sentences or a short paragraph long. Generally, an artist statement should only be between 100-200 words because shorter statements are better for the average attention span.

On the other hand, an artist statement submitted with your portfolio for review by jurors on a grant committee or graduate art program may require a detailed description of your concept and processes. Therefore, they can be longer if the intended purpose for the artist statement requires a more comprehensive explanation of your work.

Answer the right questions – An effective artist statement answers the “how,” the “what,” and the “why. Think about all the questions you would typically have if you were looking at a piece of art. Interview yourself. What would a prospective buyer, grant-giving organization, or art competition judge want to know about your work?

Use accessible language – Overly technical language and art jargon can be intimidating for the average reader. And while an art expert or a scholar who may understand complex art terms may be reading your artist statement, using fanciful words may come off as pretentious. Instead, use clear, accessible vocabulary that will enlighten your audience rather than confuse them.

Read your statement aloud – When you read your artist statement out loud, does it sound like you or someone else? Remember that your artist statement should sound natural coming from you, after all, they are your words and your voice.

Read your artist statement to a fellow visual artist, a teacher, a mentor, or even an art critic. Sometimes it’s best to seek the opinion of an unbiased third party who has no formal art background. Ask them to point out any inconsistencies, grammarly errors, or confusing comparisons.  

Excellent Examples of Artist Statements

To get inspiration when it’s time to write about your work, read sample artist statements from reliable art resources, art news, artist books, related articles, and art business publications. The best artist statements have a few elements in common. They are short personal narratives that give the reader insight into the art-making process and deeper meaning of the art. They are also written in the writer’s unique voice. Here are some of our favorite artist statements:

We start with an artist statement by Henri Matisse:

“ I don’t paint things; I paint only the differences between things… I do not literally paint that table, but the emotion it produces upon me. What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter – a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue. ”

– Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse wrote this artist statement for his painting Harmony in Red (1908), considered to be Matisse’s masterpiece by many critics and art historians. While this statement is over a hundred years old, it shows that a well-written artist statement stands the test of time and secures itself in art history.

Here is another artist statement that we love:

“ Getting outside is good for the soul. Through my artwork, I try to bring the outside in. While I make no attempt to portray actual plants or animals, I do want my creations to look like they could have lived or grown somewhere. Living with beautiful objects that pay tribute to the natural world reminds us to slow down and helps us reconnect with nature. ”

– Alison Sigethy

Alison Sigethy is an artist who makes environmentally themed sculptures out of glass. In her artist statement, she explains beautifully where she draws inspiration from when creating kinetic water features and nature-inspired glass art.

Here is another compelling artist statement from Charlene Fuhrman-Schulz:

“ My subject matter is nature, whether it is a traditional landscape or a bird and flower painting. I use traditional materials, ink and brush on rice paper, to capture movement and life — making the brush dance and the ink sing. Everything is captured in the spontaneous dance and movement of the brush as it meets the rice paper. There is no going back and correcting when painting with ink and rice paper. This love of spontaneous Chinese painting has provided a unique segue for my exploration of more abstract techniques of Oriental painting such as “Splashing Ink” or “PoMo”.  These techniques entail pouring color and creating an image from the abstract through the use of traditional brush work. At this point my work ranges from the very traditional to abstract and a blending of the two. ”

– Charlene Fuhrman-Schulz

Charlene Fuhrman-Schulz is a sumi-é artist who began Chinese Brush painting in 1989. We love her artist statement because it gets straight to the point and describes her medium, techniques, and intentions.

Take a look at Georgia O’Keefe’s artist statement for Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1 (1932):

“ When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else… Nobody really sees a flower – really – it is so small – we haven’t time – and to see takes time… So I said to myself – I’ll paint what I see – what the flower is to me but I’ll paint it big and they will be surprised into taking time to look at it. ”

– Georgia O’Keeffe

Georgia O’Keefe’s artist statement puts focus on the piece’s subject matter, the flower. She talks about her motivations for painting it.

And finally, here is an artist statement from an old master:

“ The pre-homoeroticized body forms both my field of action and the basis of my conceptual taxonomy. My sculptures explore both the flux of transfixable signifiers and their complimentary anecdotal formations. My choice of Carrara marble as a medium creates a dialectic between proto-Classical conceptions of idealized form and later Humanistic naturalism. Each figure’s physical struggle is simultaneously inoperative and adjectival. ”

– Michelangelo Buonarroti

In this excellent example of an artist statement, Michelangelo, one of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance, talks about The Rebellious Slave , a marble sculpture piece from 1513. What makes Michelangelo’s artist statement so effective is that it answers the “how,” the “what,” and the “why” of the masterpiece sculpture.  

Your artist statement is a useful tool for explaining your creative process and allows you to steer your narrative in the right direction rather than leave it open to misinterpretation and confusion. While you may dismiss writing an artist statement to allow your visual work a chance to speak without verbal cues, remember that artist statements are necessary if you want to grow as an artist and gain the attention of audiences and potential patrons and buyers.

Whether you’re in New York City or Los Angeles, somewhere in Europe or Latin America, applying for national or international residency programs, or a hardworking emerging artist finding your niche in the artistic community, an artist statement is your ticket to the art world.

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• December 3, 2022

Write the Perfect Artist Statement

Writing an artist statement can seem daunting. In a visual profession, having to explain your work in writing can feel gratuitous. But a compelling artist statement is essential to your career as an artist. What’s more, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on your practice, appreciate the value of your art and tackle anything that isn’t working.

With Artweb’s comprehensive guide, drafting an artist statement has never been easier.

What is an artist statement?

An artist statement sets out your unique philosophy as an artist in no more than 300 words (and sometimes as few as 150). It offers insight into your work, in your own words. It also provides context for your art and enhances the viewer’s experience.

A concise artists statement may reside on a gallery wall at the start of your exhibition, on the opening page of a catalogue or on your website.

Why do you need an artist statement?

When done well, an artist statement can turn something simple into something serious and valuable, worthy of exhibition and purchase.  Your statement really is that important.

An artist statement fulfills the demands of many audiences. It is how you communicate your ideas and philosophy to viewers. Those viewers include potential galleries, the general public looking at an exhibition of your work, and academics considering you for a grant or residency. It may also form the basis of your online presence.

The chances are you will need to edit your statement for different audiences, but begin with one master statement that can be revised for varying purposes. If you went to art school, you probably practiced writing one over and over, honing it until it was good enough to impress lecturers and examiners.  But the habit can quickly erode.  If you are self-taught , it may be something you have never tried or don’t fully understand. 

Note that an artist statement is not an artist’s CV.  Your resume or CV will list your education and achievements in the same way all professional resumes do.

What to include in an artist statement

The recipe for the perfect artist statement is made up of three basic ingredients: the what, the how and the why.

Get to the point. Detail the medium of your work, key themes and ideas, and a brief description of what your art feels like. But remember, you are not providing a physical description of your work. That is evident in the work itself.

“I’ll paint what I see – what the flower is to me – but I’ll paint it huge so they’ll be startled and take the time to look at it.” Georgia O’Keefe

Tackle your process. Here, you’ll describe the materials you use and how you approach your research. You can also address any other unique elements such as collaboration with others or working in the public realm. You could use this section to describe an example of your work that demonstrates what you have discussed so far, something that encompasses your key themes and materials.

“I don’t manipulate or play with space. I declare it. It is by my declaration that my paintings become full.” Barnett Newman, star of the New York School of Painters

What motivates and drives you to create the work you do? Is it external or internal. This can be the hardest element of a statement to write, as it is often just a “feeling.” Your statement needs to explore that. Include one or two sentences about what you want to achieve through your work.

Roger Hilton was a pioneer of abstract art in post-Second World War Britain.  He talks of feeling: “Painting is a feeling… When I paint it is an affair of instinct and intuition, I feel the shape and colors inside myself.”

Create your unique voice

“Blue has no dimensions, it is beyond dimensions, whereas the other colors  are not… red presupposes a site radiating heat.” Yves Klein (1928 – 1962)

Start with your artwork. Look at your portfolio and pay attention to the work you’ve produced. Consider the medium, use of color and texture as well as subject and tone.  Identify the similarities among your work and explore why they are relevant.  What are the adjectives you would choose? What would a viewer see? Imagine yourself as a stranger, viewing your works in a gallery.

How does your work make you feel?  If you’ve done your job properly, this will come across in your work. But does your art convey what you intended? Jot your thoughts down in a notebook.

Why does it matter what the artist intended?

“My feminism expresses itself in an intense interest in what women do. “ Louise Bourgeois (1911-2010)

Sometimes, the intention of an artist means nothing to a viewer. Sometimes the title provides enough information. But a good artist statement can nudge your audience in the right direction, so make sure to notice the range of sentiment your work evokes.

If you find writing tricky, consider recording  yourself having a casual conversation about your work with a friend. Transcribe the audio and see if anything stands out.

Alternatively, have someone familiar with your work write an artist statement for you. Getting an outside point of view can be insightful and refreshing, and may help to expand your own perception.

Break your statement down

The overall aim of an artist statement is to give a general introduction to your work, a body of work, or a specific project.

It should be no longer than 300 words. This means no more than a single page.

Paragraph One

It should open with the work’s basic ideas in an overview of two or three sentences or a short paragraph.

Paragraph Two

The second paragraph should go into detail about how these issues or ideas are presented in the work.

Paragraph Three

Explain what inspires you. This isn’t a list of other artists, but what and why you view the world and your art as you do.

BE WARNED: Don’t use biographical elements to fill space.  This includes where you were born, schooled and work or every exhibitions you have ever taken part in. A gallery or viewer doesn’t need to know that you were born in Texas and now work out of a garden studio in New Orleans unless it’s relevant to your work.

Now create the perfect artist statement

Keep it short.

Every sentence should communicate its own idea in simple terms. Don’t overcomplicate it! Avoid the temptation to borrow lines from other artists and don’t be tempted to create a list. It should read like you – and no one talks in lists. The tone and structure of the text should be unique to you. However, there are some basic rules to follow in regards to the content.

An artist statement can be in the first or third person

You can write in either the first or third person. The third-person offers some interesting opportunities for writing style and self-criticism.

Avoid cliches

This means not starting your sentences with “I am passionate about…” or “My art excites me…”  If it didn’t excite or make you passionate, why would anyone else be interested?  Avoid too much use of “exploring” or “experimenting.”  It all sounds incomplete. You are asking for someone to retort: “Come back to me when it’s finished.”

Be economical with language

Think of sentence-building as a game of jenga. The aim is to remove any unnecessary words, while upholding the sentence’s core idea.  Once you’ve completed a first draft, read each sentence aloud and delete words as required.  You will probably find space for an additional sentence.

Match your statement to your art

Your art and your artist statement should complement each other.  An art expert should be able to pick them out and match them up without prompting.  If you are experimenting or exploring something new in your work that departs from the art you are showing, give it a mention.

Don’t waffle

Meandering descriptions of your work mean you aren’t confident or you don’t understand your work. Or, even worse, there is nothing to understand. Yves Kein created canvases of monochromes and his own unique Yves Klein Blue. If he hadn’t been able to say his work was a quest to “liberate colour from the prison that is the line “ , his work might have been mistaken for an oversized color chart. It certainly wouldn’t hang in New York’s Museum of Modern Art.  Keeping it short and unambiguous shows the work has a clear purpose.

Don’t quote other artists

Your artist statement is a written version of you and your artwork. It shouldn’t be a copy of another’s statement anymore than your art is a copy of someone else’s artwork. Don’t waste valuable space telling the reader what Henri Matisse had to say about colour or Picasso’s take on his Blue Period. Quotes usually work because they are definitive and concise, so create your own. It is always worth looking at the artist statement’s of successful artists, but don’t be tempted to copy.

Be Confident

Avoid words like attempts, hope, should, may, intends and could when talking about your work. It either does or it doesn’t do something. There is no it may do, I hope it does or my intention is that it should … If you’re not confident about your work, your viewer won’t be either. Don’t leave room for doubt. It’s better to leave room for disagreement!

Don’t use jargon

Art theory is important, but don’t show off with your knowledge of John Berger’s Ways of Seeing or apply Jacques Derrida’s concepts of deconstructionism to abstract painting.  Your text should clarify your work, not obfuscate.  If anyone asks you: “What do you mean?” you probably need to go back to the writing table.  Leave the formulaic jargon to the critics! If you have space to pontificate on the meaning of art, you probably need to start again.

Proofread, and proofread again. A second pair of eyes to spot typos is always useful, but friends and family might not have the distance to fully assess your statement.

“An attempt is everything. How marvellous!” Alberto Giacometti

Keep refining you artist statement

An artist will develop their practice over time.  Your mediums, interests and style will change massively even within a few months.  Check if you’re statement is still relevant every time you use it. 

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How to Write an Artist Statement: The Dos and Don'ts You Need to Know

Are you an artist struggling with writing an artist statement that accurately represents your unique style and vision look no further your artist statement is just as important as your art itself as it defines why you create the work you do for your audience. in this blog post, i'll guide you through exactly how to write an artist statement that is effective. from understanding the purpose of your statement to choosing the right words and tone, i've got you covered., understand the purpose of your artist statement..

Before you can learn how to write an artist statement, you first need to know the purpose of your artist statement. To craft an artist statement that truly represents your talent and speaks to your audience, it's essential to understand what you want to say. Your artist statement is not just a summary of your work but a statement of your vision, style, and motivation behind your art. It is the first step towards building a connection with your viewers and helping them to understand your creative process.

Identify Your Unique Style and Vision.

Your statement should not only talk about the work itself, it should talk about you and why you create this type of work. Therefore, it's essential to take time to reflect on your art and what inspires you. This will help you create a statement that's authentic, meaningful, and helps your viewers connect with your work on a deeper level.

The next step is to choose the right words to communicate your message effectively. I️ recommend starting with a bullet pointed list. What is everything that inspires you. It can be words, colors, phrases, etc. Then start pulling trends from this list and see if you can craft this brainstorm into a few sentences about your inspiration and unique style.

Identifying your unique style and vision is the foundation for creating an artist statement that stands out. By using the brainstorming technique you can get to the heart of why you create what you create much faster.

Choose the Right Words and Tone.

Choosing the right words and tone is crucial in crafting an artist statement that accurately reflects your artistic vision and style. Your language and tone should match the personality of your art. If your art is playful and whimsical your tone will sound different than if it is more serious and thought-provoking.

To make a lasting emotional connection with your viewers, take the time to identify this tone before writing your statement. Make sure you also consider your brand image. Does this tone match the work, who you are, and the brand you are trying to build?

Your artist statement should convey your creativity and passion, but it should also be clear and concise. Avoid using complicated language or jargon that could confuse your viewers. Instead, use simple and direct language that everyone can understand. Sometimes artists feel the need to use lofty words to describe their work. You shouldn’t have to rely on big words to make your statement sound good. Instead, focus on what you are trying to say and what you are trying to convey through this statement.

Edit, Edit, Edit!

The key to learning how to write an artist statement is understanding how to edit. Editing helps you to refine your message and ensure that you have communicated your artistic vision accurately. Start by reading through your statement several times to check for errors and typos. Make sure your sentences are clear and concise and that your message is cohesive. Ask a friend or colleague to review your artist statement and offer feedback. Their input can help you to identify areas where you can improve your statement and make it more effective.

When editing, be sure to pay attention to your choice of words. Delete any unnecessary words or phrases that do not add meaning to your statement or that seem repetitive. This is one of the biggest mistakes I️ see artists make. They get repetitive to make it longer, but you want every word to make an impact versus repeating the same message over and over again. Who wants to read that?

Keep in mind that your artist statement should be easy to understand for your audience. Use action words that capture the essence of your work and make it engaging for your readers.

Lastly, don't forget to proofread your statement carefully. Errors and typos can detract from the impact of your message and make it appear unprofessional. By editing and proofreading carefully, you can ensure that your artist statement accurately reflects your artistic vision and helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Writing an artist statement can be a challenging task, but it provides a valuable opportunity to communicate your passion and share your creative vision with your audience. By following the dos and don'ts outlined in this article and carefully editing your statement, you can create a compelling message that resonates with your viewers.

Now that you know how to write an artist statement, I️ encourage you to write and share yours today! I️ can’t wait to learn about everyone’s artistic endeavors!

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7 Powerful Artist Statement Examples and How to Write Your Own

In the vast and dynamic realm of art, where colors collide and ideas flourish, artist statements stand as pillars of insight, offering glimpses into the creative minds behind the masterpieces. These succinct narratives not only provide context but also serve as bridges between the artist and their audience, fostering deeper connections and understanding.

Crafting an  effective artist statement  is akin to distilling the essence of one’s artistic vision into a few carefully chosen words. It’s about articulating the driving forces, inspirations, and intentions behind each stroke of the brush or every captured moment in a photograph.

Throughout this post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of  artist statements , exploring their significance in the  art world  and uncovering the nuances of crafting statements that resonate with viewers. From understanding the fundamentals to analyzing real-life examples, we’ll equip you with the tools and insights needed to craft your own compelling artist statement. So, whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to refine your statement or a newcomer eager to embark on this creative journey, prepare to unlock the power of words in the realm of art.

Artist statements  serve as windows into the creative process, offering insights into the motivations, inspirations, and philosophies that drive an artist’s work. At their core, these statements are concise narratives crafted by artists to accompany their artwork, providing context and depth to the pieces they create.

What is an artist statement?

An  artist statement  is a written declaration that provides insight into an artist’s practice, influences, and thematic concerns. It serves as a bridge between the artist and the audience, offering a glimpse into the conceptual framework underlying their work. While the format may vary—from a brief paragraph to a longer essay—the essence remains the same: to articulate the artist’s intent and provide context for their creations.

The Significance of Artist Statements

Artist statements  play a pivotal role in the art world, serving as guideposts for viewers navigating the intricate landscapes of galleries and exhibitions. They offer viewers a roadmap, illuminating the themes, techniques, and ideas that inform the artwork on display. Moreover, these statements facilitate a deeper engagement with the artwork, fostering meaningful connections between the artist’s vision and the viewer’s interpretation.

Conveying intent and connecting with the audience

Central to the effectiveness of  artist statements  is their ability to convey the artist’s intent and establish a connection with the audience. Through thoughtful reflection and introspection, artists articulate the driving forces behind their creative endeavors, allowing viewers to glimpse the stories behind the artwork. By sharing personal anecdotes, philosophical musings, or technical insights, artists forge a bond with viewers, inviting them to partake in the rich tapestry of artistic expression.

Importance of Clear, Concise Language and the Active Voice

Clarity and conciseness are paramount when crafting  artist statements . Artists must distill their ideas into succinct, accessible language that resonates with viewers of varying backgrounds. Furthermore, employing the active voice imbues statements with immediacy and authority, compelling viewers to engage with the artist’s narrative. By eschewing jargon and academic language, artists ensure that their statements are accessible to a wide audience, inviting individuals from all walks of life to explore and appreciate their work.

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Crafting Your Artist Statement

Crafting an  artist statement  is an art form in itself, requiring a delicate balance of introspection, clarity, and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a newcomer to the craft, honing your statement-writing skills can elevate your work and deepen your connection with your audience.

Emphasizing first-person and active voice

First person  and  active voice  are powerful tools in crafting an engaging artist statement. By speaking directly to the viewer, using “I” or “we,” artists establish a personal connection, inviting viewers into their world and sharing their artistic journey. Similarly, employing the active voice infuses statements with energy and vitality, propelling the narrative forward and capturing the viewer’s attention. So, instead of saying, “The artwork was created,” opt for “I created this artwork,” injecting agency and authenticity into your statement.

Tips for Identifying and Articulating Subject Matter and Themes

Identifying and articulating the  subject matter  and  themes  of your work is essential for crafting a compelling artist statement. Begin by reflecting on the recurring motifs, symbols, or narratives present in your artwork. What themes resonate most deeply with you? What subjects do you find yourself returning to time and again? Once you’ve identified these elements, articulate them clearly and concisely in your statement, providing insight into the inspiration and intention behind your creations.

Exploring the creative process

The  creative process  lies at the heart of every artwork, serving as the catalyst for expression and exploration. In your artist statement, delve into the nuances of your creative journey, from the initial spark of inspiration to the final brushstroke or shutter click. Share anecdotes, insights, and reflections that illuminate your process, allowing viewers to glimpse the magic unfolding behind the scenes. Whether you embrace meticulous planning or revel in spontaneous experimentation, convey your process with passion and authenticity, inviting viewers to join you on this transformative journey.

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Using Examples for Inspiration

Drawing inspiration from  artist statement examples  can be a transformative journey, offering insights into different approaches, styles, and voices within the art world. By exploring a diverse array of statements, artists can glean valuable lessons and techniques to inform their own practice while staying true to their unique artistic vision.

A Showcase of Seven Powerful Artist Statement Examples

• Surrealism Unleashed : Dive into the enigmatic world of surrealism with artist X’s statement, where dreams intertwine with reality and the subconscious takes center stage.
• Abstract Expressions : Explore the dynamic interplay of color, form, and emotion in artist Y’s statement as they navigate the boundless realms of abstraction with bold strokes and daring compositions.
• Photographic Narratives : Step into the captivating narratives captured by artist Z, whose photography transcends mere documentation to evoke powerful emotions and stories untold.
• Minimalist Manifesto : Experience the quiet eloquence of minimalist art through artist A’s statement, where simplicity reigns supreme and every line and space speaks volumes.
• Nature’s Symphony : Immerse yourself in the harmonious landscapes depicted in artist B’s statement, where the beauty of the natural world is captured in every brushstroke and hue.
• Cultural Reverie : Journey through artist C’s statement, where cultural heritage and identity intertwine to create evocative works that resonate across time and space.
• Mixed Media Magic : Delve into the eclectic world of mixed media art with artist D’s statement, where disparate elements converge to form captivating narratives and textures.

Analysis of Strengths and Unique Qualities

• Clarity and Cohesion : Each example exhibits clarity and cohesion, effectively conveying the artist’s intent and thematic concerns in a concise and accessible manner.
• Authentic Voice : From surrealism to minimalism, each statement reflects the artist’s authentic voice and vision, imbuing their work with a sense of authenticity and originality.
• Emotional Resonance : Whether through bold abstraction or serene landscapes, the examples evoke powerful emotions and invite viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level.

Drawing Inspiration While Maintaining Authenticity

As you explore these  artist statement examples , take note of the techniques, themes, and voices that resonate with you personally. While drawing inspiration from others is invaluable, remember to stay true to your own artistic vision and voice. Your statement should reflect who you are as an artist, capture the essence of your work, and invite viewers into your unique creative world. So, let these examples spark your imagination and fuel your creativity, but always remember to forge your own path and tell your own story.

How to Write Your Own Artist Statement

Crafting your  artist statement  is a deeply personal and introspective process, requiring careful consideration and reflection. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of writing a compelling statement that captures the essence of your work and resonates with your audience.

Step 1: Reflect on Your Artistic Journey

Begin by taking some time to reflect on your artistic journey. Consider the themes, motifs, and techniques that define your work. What inspires you? What messages or emotions do you hope to convey through your art? Jot down your thoughts and feelings in a journal or notebook, allowing your ideas to flow freely without judgment.

Step 2: Brainstorm and Free Write

Next, engage in  free writing  and brainstorming to generate ideas for your artist statement. Set aside some time to write without constraints, allowing your thoughts to unfold naturally on the page. Write down anything that comes to mind, from personal anecdotes to philosophical musings, exploring different aspects of your artistic practice and vision.

Step 3: Define Your Themes and Intentions

As you review your free writing and brainstorming sessions, identify the recurring themes, motifs, and intentions that emerge. What are the driving forces behind your work? What messages or concepts do you wish to communicate to your audience? Define these themes and intentions clearly, articulating them in your artist statement with precision and clarity.

Step 4: Craft Your Statement with Clarity and Conciseness

With your themes and intentions in mind, begin crafting your artist statement with clarity and conciseness. Start by introducing yourself and providing a brief overview of your artistic practice. Then, delve into the themes, motifs, and intentions that define your work, using clear and accessible language to convey your ideas to your audience. Remember to use the  first-person  and  active voice  to engage your readers and imbue your statement with authenticity and immediacy.

Step 5: Seek Feedback and Refinement

Once you’ve drafted your artist statement, seek feedback from peers, mentors, or trusted individuals in your artistic community. Share your statement with them and ask for their honest impressions and suggestions for improvement. Consider their feedback carefully, and be open to making revisions that strengthen and clarify your statement. By seeking outside perspectives, you can refine your statement and ensure that it resonates with your audience effectively.

Step 6: Finalize and Share Your Statement

After incorporating feedback and making any necessary revisions, finalize your artist statement and prepare to share it with the world. Consider including it in your online portfolio, exhibition materials, or artist website, where it can serve as a powerful introduction to your work for viewers and collectors alike. Be proud of your statement and the journey it represents, knowing that it captures the essence of your artistic vision and invites others to join you on your creative journey.

Navigating the world of  artist statements  can raise many questions. Here, we address some common queries to help demystify the process and empower you to craft a statement that captures the essence of your artistic vision.

How long should an artist statement be?

Artist statements  should be concise yet comprehensive, typically ranging from a few sentences to a short paragraph. Aim to convey your ideas and intentions clearly and succinctly, avoiding unnecessary verbosity.

What tone should I adopt in my artist statement?

The tone of your  artist statement  should reflect your artistic voice and the nature of your work. Whether it’s introspective and contemplative or bold and expressive, strive for a tone that resonates with your artistic vision and connects with your audience.

Who is my audience when writing an artist statement?

Your  audience  for an artist statement may vary, ranging from art collectors and gallery owners to fellow artists and art enthusiasts. Tailor your statement to appeal to a broad audience while staying true to your unique artistic perspective and vision.

How can I overcome writer’s block when crafting my artist statement?

To overcome  writer’s block , try engaging in  free writing  or brainstorming exercises to generate ideas. Take breaks to refresh your mind and return to your statement with a fresh perspective. Additionally, seek inspiration from other artists’ statements and draw upon personal experiences and reflections to fuel your creativity.

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Crafting an  artist statement  is an art form in itself, requiring introspection, clarity, and authenticity. By following the steps outlined in this post and drawing inspiration from the provided examples, you can craft a statement that captures the essence of your artistic vision and resonates deeply with your audience.

Embrace the power of words to convey your ideas and intentions, and remember the importance of authenticity and clarity in connecting with your audience. Whether you’re a seasoned artist refining your statement or a newcomer embarking on this creative journey, seize the opportunity to share your story and invite others into your world of artistry. Start crafting your own artist statement today, and let your voice be heard in the vibrant tapestry of the art world.

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How to Write an Artist Statement (with Examples)

As a professional artist, having a clear artist statement on your website is incredibly important. Why? Well because it allows potential art buyers and even galleries to clearly understand what your work is all about and who you are as the artist behind it.

Think of your artist statement as a guide that gives any website visitor a peak inside of your mind to get a better understanding on you and your work. It helps them understand the inspiration, the emotion, and intention behind your art works. An artist statement serves as the bridge between your creative vision and the viewer’s understanding. It’s a powerful tool that enables you to communicate your thoughts, motivations, and the essence of your work.

In this blog post, I’m sharing my top tips on how to write an effective artist statement that captivates your audience and opens the doors to your artistic vision.

Understand the purpose behind your art

An artist statement is more than just a description; it's a glimpse into your mind. Before putting pen to paper, take some time to contemplate why you create the work that you make. Is it to express your emotions? Challenge societal norms? Or evoke certain feelings in your audience? Understanding the purpose behind your work will help you infuse your statement with authenticity and clarity. Before you start writing, it's crucial to really dive deep on this and have an understanding first before attempting to articulate it with your audience. Here are a few tips that will help you go that bit deeper and help you craft an effective artist statement:

Reflect on Your Artistic Journey: Your artist statement is your chance to tell the world what drives you to create. Are you hoping to evoke nostalgia, is it a mediative process for you, or is your intention to simply share the beauty you see in the world? Jot down the emotions, ideas, or experiences that drive your creative process. When you understand your intentions, you can express them clearly in your statement.

Identify Common Themes: Look for recurring elements in your artwork. Is there a consistent theme, style, or subject matter? These can provide valuable insights into your purpose.

Ask Yourself 'Why': Challenge yourself with the question, "Why do I create?" Keep digging deeper until you unearth the core motivations.

Craft a Clear Purpose Statement: Summarise your purpose in a sentence or two. This concise statement will serve as the foundation for your artist statement.

By understanding the purpose behind your art, you open doors to create a deeper connection with your audience.

Know your audience

Consider who will be reading your artist statement. Are they art enthusiasts, collectors, galleries, or the general public? Tailor your statement to resonate with your intended audience while still staying true to your artistic voice. To craft an engaging artist statement, you must know your audience. My main tips to help you understand your audience as an artist are:

Identify your audience segments and tailor your voice to them: List the various groups of people who might engage with your art—artists, galleries, collectors, art lovers, etc. Different audiences resonate with different tones. If you're addressing galleries, you might delve into technical aspects. On the other hand, if you’re speaking to a broader audience of art collectors, you'd want to emphasise relatable emotions and themes.

Engage with art collectors: Consider adding insights into your creative process, inspirations, and the evolution of your work. Collectors often seek to understand the artist's journey, adding a layer of value to the art they acquire.

Create a deeper connection: By knowing your audience, you're showing them that you care about their experience. This understanding builds empathy and fosters a stronger connection between your art and their emotions.

Use an active voice: Use the first person throughout your artist statement as it will allow you to connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Adapt over time: As you learn more about your audience through interactions and feedback, adjust your artist statement accordingly to maintain that strong connection.

Understanding your audience transforms your artist statement from a one-size-fits-all description into a personalised invitation. It's your way of saying, "I know you, and I want to share my art with you in a way that resonates." This understanding lays the foundation for a more profound and lasting connection between your work and the people who experience it.

Keep it clear and concise

A well-crafted artist statement is succinct yet impactful. Aim for a length of around 150 to 250 words. Especially since nowadays, people don’t have the time or attention span to read through a lengthy piece of text. By being concise you’re making sure your message doesn’t get lost.

Avoid (art) jargon or overly complex language that might alienate your readers. In my art world career, I read though hundreds of artist statements and although I studied art and art history and was a gallerist, many of the statements I would read were very difficult to understand and relate to. There is a common misconception that artist statements must sound “academic” – this is not a good approach when writing your artist statement. Your goal is to foster a connection and understanding between your work and your audience. To do this, you should aim to use clear and accessible language that anyone can grasp. When your message is clear, readers can connect more easily with you and your work. 

Overall, an artist statement should be focused on telling the reader/potential art buyer what they need to know about you and your art work in a simple and concise way.

Remember to update your artist statement regularly

Your artist statement is a dynamic reflection of your artistic journey. Just as you evolve as an artist, your statement should evolve too. Your artist statement should mirror your growth and capture your latest perspectives.

It is not only a good way to keep your website updated, but the process of updating your statement prompts you to reflect on your art's meaning and purpose. This self-examination can lead to new insights.

Plus, while having a main artist statement is definitely important, you’ll likely want to update it depending on where you’re sharing it. Whether that is exhibitions, galleries, or different collaborations. So not only should you update your main artist statement regularly, but you should also check and update it if needed every time you’re sharing it on different platforms.

Tip: Determine how often you’d like to revisit your artist statement. Consider doing this at least once a year or whenever you experience a significant shift in your artist journey.

Regularly updating your artist statement ensures it remains a true representation of your evolving creative self and helps you connect more authentically with your audience and any opportunities that come your way.

In a nutshell, the top four aspects of crafting an engaging artist statement are, understanding the purpose behind your art, knowing your audience, keeping it clear and concise, and keeping it updated as you evolve as an artist.

Once you’ve created an impressive artist statement, it’s time to share your big vision with the world so you can increase your revenue and impact. And that’s exactly what I teach inside the Artist Accelerator Mastermind . This is a special space for fine artists who have big dreams for their lives and art businesses and aren’t afraid to invest in the right support to help them get there.

It’s perfect for you if you’re determined and motivated to change your reality, create more freedom—both time and financial—create more wealth, and worry less by outsourcing social media marketing and smaller day-to-day tasks in your art business. You’re ultimately ready to evolve into your next level in business and in yourself. Once you have all the knowledge on how to grow a sustainable art business, you’ll be able to start taking aligned and thought-out action that actually generates results!

Here are some examples of amazing artist statements written by my clients:

Elizabeth Barlow’s Artist Statement: https://www.elizabethbarlowart.com/artist-statement

Mary Little’s Artist Statement: https://www.marylittle.com/bio

Helen Booth’s Artist Statement: https://www.helenbooth.com/about/

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5 seo tips for artists: how to get your art noticed online.

How to Write an Artist Statement

A complete guide.

• Artist statement videos
• Video walkthrough
• What to include
• Writing skills are useful no matter what

When will I need an artist statement?

How long should my statement be, statements for press releases.

• Statements for grants & residencies
• Statements for gallery exhibitions
• What is your elevator pitch?
• You can recycle your writing!
• Formats: overall statements

Artist statement for a body of work

Write focused paragraphs

• Writing style: be specific

First person statement

Third person statement, avoid complicated words.

• Start: identify key words
• Start: word vomit

Step away and come back

• Example: 1 sentence statement

MFA portfolios + statements

2 paragraph statement.

• Long statement: general practice
• Long statement: body of work
• Very long statement: body of work

Artist statements often feel like a contradiction for many artists, and it’s a process that most us dread as artists.

Asking someone who is used to expressing themselves visually to write a statement feels unfair, if we were good at writing we would have been writers! 

However, artist statements are an important part of having a professional studio practice, they are required in many contexts and also can be a useful process to solidify your ideas.

Artist Statement Videos

These videos provide concrete, practical tips for how to write an artist statement.

Writing an artist statement can be tough; being asked to verbally articulate ideas that we are used to expressing with visual media is challenging.

• Watch the 1 min. version
• Watch the 2 min. version (statement mistakes)
• Watch the 3 min version
• Watch the 51 min version
• 1 hour 33 min. Lecture for the Nevada Arts Council

Topics covered include critical components of an artist statement, how to write succinctly, as well as options for adapting a specific voice.

Different versions of your artist statement are discussed as well: a short version for your artist website , a 1 paragraph version for artist grants , and more detailed, in depth proposals that can be used for artist grant applications. 

Video Walkthrough

• Why writing is such a useful skill for artists to have.
• What is an artist statement, where do I need one?
• How do we talk about our work?
• Types of artist statements.
• Artist statements are used for gallery exhibitions, press releases, grants, school application, and more.
• Write your artist statement with confidence, don’t put yourself down or be self-deprecating.
• Statements for art school applications.
• Avoid writing generic statements for art school applications
• Artist statements are an ongoing process, you’ll always be tweaking your statement.
• Single sentence statement.
• Short paragraph statement.
• Should a statement be written in third person or first person?
• First person statements tend to have a friendlier tone.
• Moderate length statement.
• Grant applications with project descriptions tend to require longer artist statements.
• Write a statement that describes you overall, and others for specific bodies of artwork.
• How to get started writing your statement, try “word vomit!”
• Create a list of key words that are related to your studio practice.
• Writing an artist statement is very challenging for artists, but it does get easier!

Need help with writing your statement?

You can purchase edits from Prof Lieu on an artist statement, BFA & MFA application statements, and more.

What to include in your statement

An effective artist statement should allow someone who knows nothing about your artwork (and who hasn’t seen your artwork) to get an overall sense of what themes you are exploring.

Talk about your motivation, perhaps a brief mention of what influences your studio practice, and insight into the format and materials you work with.

Writing skills are usefu l no matter what

In general, it’s extremely useful to hone your writing skills as an artist. There are so many places where clear, succinct writing will help with your career: when writing a grant proposal, preparing for a lecture, writing a press release, and more.

You’ll need an artist statement for your:

• your artist website
• press releases
• artist grant & artist residency applications
• gallery exhibition

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Each context you place your artist statement in will require a different length.

When people read text online, unless they are reading a newspaper article, they tend to get overwhelmed by giant chunks of text. (there’s a reason why we have the term TLDR!)

Therefore, you’ll want to keep your artist statement on your artist website to a single paragraph.

The situation is similar for press releases if you are having a gallery exhibition.  Journalists won’t want to wade through a very dense artist statement in a press release.

They will want to get a quick sense of what your exhibition is all about, and logistical details like the exhibition dates, the gallery location, etc.

Prof Lieu’s Tips

I know writing these artist statements is not easy for any of us, but I think this is a really good process to go through.

Not just so you have a statement to use, there are other benefits as well.

I find writing down my ideas helps me solidify what I want to do as an artist.

Grants and residencies

Grant applications ask for a wide range of lengths, some will want two paragraphs, while others will allow you to write up to three pages. In general, these applications tend to ask for artist statements that are on the longer side. 

This is one means by which you will be evaluated as an artist; it’s an important part of your application to show that you are serious and competent about your studio practice.

Statements for exhibitions

If you are attending an opening reception at an exhibition, chances are you might meet someone you’ve never met before, or a curator who you have met before who you would like to reconnect with. 

You might only have a minute to remind someone of who you are, so have that elevator pitch ready to go!

What is your elevator pitch ?

Prof Lieu  was once at a luncheon at a liberal arts college, seated at a table with several new faculty who she had never met before. The faculty at the table were from all over the college, in economics, science, english, and more.

Naturally, as the conversations evolved, people asked about each other’s research.

You can’t go into a long rant about your artwork in a situation like this, (at least without looking like a selfish jerk) so once sentence is probably all you will get to explain what your artwork is like.

Gallery exhibitions

Galleries usually have a binder with information at the exhibition that has your CV , a price list, sometimes press clippings, and your artist statement. 

Your artist statement is an opportunity for your audience to read more extensively about your artwork in conjunction with the exhibition.

You can recycle your writing !

There’s no need to write a new artist statement from scratch for every new context you will be placing the statement in.

Keep the core of the statement consistent, and then make adjustments in terms of specific and length according to where the artist statement will be placed.

Initially, writing an artist statement can feel like a lot of work, but once you have a substantial one, it will become easy to tweak.

Statement formats

Overall artist statement.

You’ll need an artist statement that covers all of your work in general, one that holistically explains your overall approach as an artist. Talk about themes and imagery that are always applicable no matter what specific project you are working on.

In terms of materials, you can mention general areas you work in, as opposed to going into great depth about your engagement with materials.

This is the version of you artist statement that you’ll want to have on your website, and that you an use as your elevator pitch in person.

Professional artists generally create individual bodies of artwork that center around one theme with a cohesive group of artworks in the same material and format.

Therefore, it makes sense to write an artist statement that addresses the specifics of that individual body of artwork. A statement like this is best suited to a gallery exhibition where you are presenting that body of artwork.

Keep each paragraph concentrated on one aspect of your artwork.

For example, the first paragraph could outline the basic themes of your artwork, followed up by a second paragraph that goes into greater detail about the materials you work with.

If you jump all over the place, the statement will become fragmented and difficult for the reader to follow.

Keep your writing simple and straightforward, there’s no need to feel pressure to get super creative and experimental with the structure of your statement.

Writing style

Be specific.

There’s a saying in journalism to  “get the name of the dog.”  Meaning that there’s a huge difference between writing “a brown dog” and “a brown dog named Rufus.”

Naming the dog makes it a specific dog, and gives the dog personality beyond a physical description.

Your statement will be much more memorable if you get specific about what you discuss. Instead of saying that you do pen drawings, say that you draw with a quill pen and India ink on Bristol board.

Rather than state that you are a mixed media artist, explain that you use encaustic techniques that are constructed with found objects which are mounted on panels of wood.

Be confident

Your artist statement is a way of presenting yourself as an artist to the public. Therefore, this isn’t the place to be self-deprecating.  Avoid phrases like:

• I’m trying to get better at…
• I just learned this a month ago, and I’m not very good yet.
• I hope that some day I will be able to….

It can be challenging to adapt a voice that is confident in your artist statement. So often, we are own worst critics and it can feel awkward to put ourselves out there in this way. 

You’re not bragging either, you’ll simply explaining what your studio practice as an artist is all about.

First person or third person?

Whether you choose first person or third person for your artist statement is completely up to you.  Choose the option that you are comfortable with, although many artists will change to first or third person depending on the context of the statement.

First person is usually seen as being slightly more casual than third person, it’s common to see artist websites where a narrative bio and/or artist statement is written in first person.

On social media, people usually write in first person given the casual nature of that context.

Third person is generally used for more formal contexts, such an artist statement that is in  an exhibition catalog , or at a gallery exhibition . Remember, there is no right or wrong when it comes to first person vs. third person, ultimately that choice is up to you!

Puffed up, pretentious writing about art is everywhere.  You don’t need to look up the longest words in the thesaurus to sound intelligent when writing about your work! 

Use the words you already have, and focus on communicating your ideas.  No amount of fancy vocabulary is going to help you.

“My artwork integrates bodily  intercultural live encounters and eagages subjectively the effects  of different discourses in contemporary electric, robotic techno-science.”

Don’t know what the sentence above means?  Neither do we.

How Do I Get Started Writing My Artist Statement?

Identify key words.

If you are having trouble getting started, it helps to make a list of key words that relate to your studio practice. You can use this list of key words as means of creating short phrases, which can then be filled into become complete sentences.

Below are key words that match some of our Teaching Artists:

• Lauryn : color, pattern, environment, body
• Deepti : alien, bright, conspiracy, quirky, bizarre

It’s tempting to want to judge your writing as you write, but try to avoid this!  Sit down and just throw words and sentences down on paper. 

Don’t try to be coherent, don’t adjust as you go, this will be disruptive and prevent you from getting your ideas out and onto the paper.

Write with very basic words, even if you feel like what you are writing seems like it could have been written by an elementary school student. You’ll come back and tweak later!

Avoid the writing marathon, few people can sit down, write for 6 hours, and declare their piece finished at the end.

Instead, write an hour here, an hour there, you’ll be able to come back to your writing with fresh eyes and mistakes will be much easier to spot.

Get someone to edit your statement

If you can afford to hire an editor, it makes a gigantic difference. They’ll be able to make adjustments that would never have occurred to you! 

A good editor will be able to retain the integrity of your voice in the writing, while simultaneously bring a level of polish that gives your statement a level of professionalism that perhaps was lacking before.

Not everyone can hire an editor, so the next best thing is to ask a friend who you think has decent writing skills. At the very least, they are another fresh set of eyes.

Even better, ask a friend who is not an artist, if they understand what you’re talking about, you’re probably in good shape!

Artist Statement Examples

One sentence statements.

“My studio practice uses drawing, printmaking, and sculpture as means towards exploring the extremes of human emotion, using the human figure and face as a vehicle for expression.” Prof Lieu

“Eloise’s work explores the intersection, mechanics, and deconstruction of power, politics and narrative.” Eloise Sherrid

• Andrea Arts
• Hannah McCasland
• Zainab Zulfiqar
• Michelle Eisen

“Deepti has always been fascinated by the possibility of alien life. Often thinking about conspiracy theories and interplanetary warfare, Deepti is drawn to themes of fear and anxiety, usually finding inspiration from her own set of fears. Her work is often colorful, character driven, and light hearted.” Deepti Menon

“In Lauryn Welch’s paintings and installations, she explores how color and pattern are used on the body to express or conceal one’s identity in relation to one’s environment. Her current body of work takes a split approach between body and landscape, and is heavily influenced by naturally occurring patterns. “ Lauryn Welch

Long statement, general studio practice

“‘ Falling’  is a visualization of my personal experience with depression, as represented by a series of drawings, sculpture, and prints. The contemporary human experience, with its balance of awareness and repression of mental illness, provides both a context and a reason for this work to exist. The human face, in its infinitely subtle range of emotional expression, has been explored throughout the history of art, and remains an irresistible subject. The emotional spectrum surrounding the contemporary context of mental illness is broad, and although the topic has had increased awareness in the past several years, it remains largely a difficult topic for many. Through the lens of my personal experience and with the visceral connection that art innately creates with its audience, I seek to open and foster a dialogue about mental illness; not from an objective distance, but from the understanding and intimacy of shared pain. Depression and anxiety were frequent catalysts in my life for the loss of emotional and physical control. Unable to release myself from these episodes, I waited for the physical limitations of my body to end them. I had been so accustomed to depression’s influence for such a long time that I could not distinguish the emotions and behaviors belonging to the illness from those of my own personality. After struggling for many years without treatment, a diagnosis brought relief, and the process of unearthing myself from the disease began.” The portrait drawings are created on Dura-Lar, which has been sanded by hand to create a textured, translucent surface. I smear tacky, thick etching ink onto the Dura-Lar with my hands. After the etching ink dries, I add more definition with lithographic crayons, and scrape away highlights with an x-acto knife. Each portrait measures 48″ x 36.” Prof Lieu

Long statement, specific body of work

“‘ Emerge’  is a series of figure drawings that depict the long treatment process that began upon receiving a diagnosis. At the height of my depression, I was so deeply buried by the emotions that I could not separate myself from the disease. During treatment, the depression gradually began to fade away. As the emotions slowly left, I started being able to see myself clearly for the first time in my life. Contrary to my prior concerns about treatment, I felt more like myself than I ever had before. These drawings show this simultaneous process of the depression leaving as my true self emerges. Even with ongoing treatment, improvements do not happen in a linear way. The process is unpredictable, continuous, and never ending. At times the emotions subside, on other days the depression is almost gone and occasionally it comes back in full force. Even on my best days, the depression is always there to some degree. For this reason, the anguished figures in these drawings never completely disappear. These emotions will always be with me in some capacity for the rest of my life. These large scale figure drawings are created on Dura-Lar, which has been sanded by hand to create a textured, translucent surface. I smear tacky, thick etching ink onto the Dura-Lar with my hands. After the etching ink dries, I add more definition with lithographic crayons, and scrape away highlights with an x-acto knife. Each figure drawing measures 7′ x 4.’ The monotypes measure 24″ x 18″ and are printed on white Rives BFK paper. The figure sketches are drawn on 12″ x 9″ white charcoal paper with lithographic rubbing ink and a white plastic eraser. Prof Lieu

Very long statement, specific body of work

“I investigate ways to visually represent the emotional and physical experience of individual isolation.  ‘Wading’  is an interdisciplinary project of related bodies of work involving various techniques of sculpture, drawing, and printmaking. The objective of this project is to explore visual ways to represent the most severe form of isolation as loneliness that is experienced when physically surrounded by other people. This is a specific form of loneliness that is involuntary and imposed upon by others, creating a state of discontent characterized by bitterness and a sense of punishment. It is the presence of others what can heighten and intensify the experience of loneliness for an individual. The images in this project depict figure groups wading in water which become vehicles to visually articulating the experience of loneliness. Set within an infinite and undefined body of water, scenes of lost figures communicate moments of isolation between figures. I portray loneliness as the experience of feeling unseen and unknown within a group. The figures all collectively occupy the same space, and yet are locked and isolated in themselves, unable to perceive the figures which physically surround them in the space. These current drawings represent a process of working which involves multiple stages of development and various media. The process begins with figure sculptures which are created in order to serve as visual references for the drawing studies. The figure sculptures are begun by the construction of armatures which become structural supports for the oil based plastilene clay which is applied to them. Once the modeling process is completed, these figure sculptures are lit with natural light and carefully observed to facilitate the figures in the drawings. Preliminary drawing studies are made using direction observation from the sculptures, and later referenced in creating the final drawings.

The final drawings are executed with lithographic crayon on a sanded Dura-Lar surface, creating a coarse texture and surface in order to create suggestive, implied figures. The drawings are then layered on top of each other; the translucency of the sanded Dura-Lar surface creating the illusion of ghost-like figures which exist in their own separate reality. I work with an interdisciplinary approach which encompasses various techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. New opportunities arise with every shift of medium, which allows for a significant amount of experimentation and spontaneity in the process despite careful preliminary plans. Prof Lieu

Part 1 of a complete guide to running an art business as a self-taught artist.…

Part 2 of a complete guide to running an art business as a self-taught artist.…

The complete Business Curriculum for Self-taught Artists is a series of 2 videos. The Curriculum’s document is…

4 Tips for Writing a Good Artist Statement

Writing an artist statement can be a daunting task. The prospect of composing a concise summary of your art practice to help others understand your work is understandably intimidating. However, having a clear, direct artist statement is essential, particularly on applications for grants, art schools, open-call exhibitions, residencies, and other career-advancing opportunities.

While some artists use this text to exercise their creative writing skills or to stretch their philosophical muscles, others take the opposite route, employing staid, generic formulas to guide their writing. However you go about it, it’s important to set forth a statement that can be easily understood and does your work justice. To help, we spoke to two writing experts on steps you can take to develop a strong artist statement.

1. Map out your ideas

Often, artists are instructed to write a three-paragraph statement that begins with a broad overview of their ideas, then gives an explanation of their materials, and ends with a description of their personal philosophies. While there is nothing wrong with giving a formal description of your art, discussing your material choices, or offering context you deem important to your practice, a formulaic artist statement will not help you stand out from the competition.

“So many artist statements sound the same,” warns Jennifer Liese, director of the Rhode Island School of Design’s Center for Arts & Language, and editor of Social Medium: Artists Writing, 2000–2015 . “My top tip would be to not follow a model or formula.” Instead, try brainstorming specific content that will help your audience—be it a viewer, juror, or critic—understand your work better.

If you’re not working from a traditional artist statement formula, however, getting started can be tricky. Instead of jumping straight into writing, Jeff Edwards, a writing instructor at the School of Visual Arts, recommends organizing your ideas before you begin. One way to do this is by jotting down keywords and concepts on index cards and spreading them out on a table, or  by using a large sheet of drawing paper to create a diagram of what you’re planning to write about. Some subjects to get you started include your artistic influences, your process, the formal qualities of your work, an origin story, or a quote that connects to your work.

Similarly, Liese recommends giving yourself prompts to help yourself start writing. Some of her favorites to give students include “Write down five questions you would want an interviewer to ask you” and “Create a family tree of your artistic influences.”

2. Start with free writing

Next, you can start free writing—getting your ideas on paper continuously, without fretting over things like grammar and style. When you begin, you might feel stuck or insecure about your ideas, but try to resist these impulses. “Don’t sit down and just expect to have the perfect sentences and prose come out,” Liese advises. If your artist statement needs to be around 200 words long (as some applications require), try writing three times that amount; you can cut it down later. The more you write, the more likely you are to raise pertinent questions and connections in your work.

If you have difficulty jumping into the writing process, try setting a timer for 15 minutes. The pressure of the clock may help you forgo anxieties that are holding you back, and can force you to work through the initial ideas that come to mind.

Another great way to start free writing is to use a prompt; Liese often starts writing workshops by asking participants to describe a memory that aligns with their work. One of her students, an artist who creates rooftop planters, found a connection between her art and the blueberry bush she would tend to outside of her childhood home. Another artist remembered the influential experience of seeing Laurie Anderson ’s O’Superman (1981) as a child. This prompt encourages you to re-enter a moment when you first had a spark of discovery or inspiration; from there, you can work towards communicating that idea to your reader. “We all have this kind of authentic knowledge of who we are and how that comes into the work,” Liese says. “So when you share that with someone, they’re often very grateful to have heard from you.”

3. Edit your piece

Free writing can often leave you with a long or messy draft; it’s extremely important that you put as much energy into editing as you do writing. This process may seem intimidating, but Liese assures that “learning how to revise your own prose is accessible.” A good place to start is by reading up on some simple editing techniques; Liese recommends learning about the Paramedic Method , which helps people focus on editing one part of a sentence at a time.

In similar fashion, Edwards advises that you focus on removing cliches, art jargon, pointless repetitions, and irrelevant tangents. “When you first go back to edit it down, you’ll find yourself eliminating a lot of material that seemed important initially, but is actually superfluous,” he says. “Deciding what to cut can be painful at first, but it always improves the writing.”

In addition to revising your own writing, ask someone who knows your work well to take a look at your statement. If you’re not in an academic setting where you can ask a professor or writing advisor to read over your writing, try swapping statements with a fellow artist. When you’re requesting feedback from someone, Liese recommends asking them “What isn’t working?” as well as “What is working?” Asking these questions can help isolate the parts of your statement that are working, and those that aren’t.

4. Write another draft

When you break the process of writing an artist statement into small steps—brainstorming, free writing, and editing—the task becomes less daunting. But, as Liese explains, “the benefits of writing a single artist statement are limiting.” If you tell yourself that the statement you’re working on is going to be the sole, definitive statement for all of your art, you may well send yourself into an existential crisis.

Instead, it’s best to acknowledge that artist statements are ephemeral texts; while the statement you write today may perfectly capture your artwork now, it may not work next week or next year. To help free yourself of the “single artist statement” mentality, Liese suggests putting a date on your statement and returning to it regularly; your artist statement should be a living document that you’re consistently working on. In addition, Edwards suggests having multiple versions of your statement that can fit different parameters, like length and specificity to different bodies of work.

However, no matter the version you’re working on, your writing skills, or the level of frustration you’re experiencing, it’s important to remember the benefits of an artist statement. As Edwards says, “Committing your ideas to paper helps you understand your artistic practice on a deeper level, and allows you to explain it to others more effectively.”

• Vertical The Example Article Title Longer Than The Line By Example Name Jan 1, 1970

Fine Art Personal Statements Examples

• *Academic *Writing !Help https://tinyurl.com/y7mrahdo
• Fine Art Personal Statement I see an artwork as the concentration of an idea or concept into a physical entity. The idea or concept is rarely evident through just looking at …
• Fine Art personal statement example 1 “It was at college that I first became interested in fine art as a form of expression. We were only a small group of students. so lectures and tutorial were always on a more personal basis. There were many opportunities to discuss. create and exhibit paintings. sculptures. photography and conceptual art.
• Fine art personal statement Curiosity is the reason why I choose to study art. The exciting little journeys art takes me on when creating. the little stories that make up the mundanity of life. Studying art has made me more aware of the world around me.
• Sample Fine Art Personal Statement Vincent Van Gogh once said that ‘There is no blue without yellow and without orange”. From a young age I have been fascinated by the concept of colour and. for me. this quotation foregrounds the importance of colour and mixing in art.
• Sample Fine Art Personal Statement. Vincent Van Gogh once said that ‘There is no blue without yellow and without orange”. From a young age I have been fascinated by the concept of colour and. for me. this quotation foregrounds the importance of colour and mixing in art. I am particularly interested in the way in which mixing colour can function as medium for conveying different ideas . . .
• Fine Art Personal Statement Vincent Van Gough once said that ‘There is no blue without yellow and without orange’. From a young age I have been fascinated by the concept of colour and. for me. this quotation foregrounds the importance of colour and mixing in art.
• Art Personal Statement From an early age I have always had a strong interest in art. and have been involved with it in some form all through my life. In year nine I realised that it was something that I might like to pursue as a career. I started taking it more seriously.
• Integrity is Crucial to Personal Statements for Art University Courses. Finally. as Emily explained. it is very important that your personal statement is about you. and written by you. “A personal statement is personal. as the title says. If you copy someone else’s words. then the University is not getting to know you. ” “It is also . . .
• What you think of for your graphic design personal statement ideas could be quite different from what you would include in a fine art essay sample. for example. It’s best to treat each personal statement as a separate essay with different focuses. Don’t lie or embellish. Personal statements are just that… personal! Embellishments or lies . . .

Written by Margies

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Drug-controlled CAR-T cells through the regulation of cell-cell interactions

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CAR T-cell therapy is constrained by on-target, off-tumor toxicities as well as cellular exhaustion due to chronic antigen exposure. CARs comprising small-molecule controlled switches can enhance both safety and therapeutic efficacy but are limited by the scarcity of non-immunogenic protein elements responsive to non-immunosuppressive, clinically approved drugs with favorable pharmacodynamics. Here, we combine rational design and library-based optimization of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) of human origin to develop venetoclax-controlled Drug-Regulated Off-switch PPI (DROP)-CARs. DROP-CARs enable dose-dependent release of the tumor-targeting scFv and consequent T-cell dissociation from the target tumor cell. Additionally, we present proof-of-concept for a dual DROP-CAR controlled by different small molecules, as well as for logic-gated synthetic receptors enabling STAT3 signaling. We demonstrate in vitro and in vivo function of DROP-CAR T cells and conclude that the approach holds promise for clinical application.

Competing Interest Statement

S.T.R. holds shares of Alloy Therapeutics and Engimmune Therapeutics. S.T.R. is on the scientific advisory board of Alloy Therapeutics and Engimmune Therapeutics. M.I., B.E.C., L.S. and G.G.A and colleagues have provisional IP for the DROP-switch.

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Art foundation/fine art personal statement example.

The unity in any painter's work arises from the fact that a person, brought to a desperate situation, will behave in a certain way... . - Frank Auerbach.

I strongly agree with this statement, and that creativity in art is heavily influenced by the state of mind of the artist. Given the chance from studying an art foundation course would give me the pleasure of developing my ideas of the psychology behind art while practically pursuing my strongest passion for the subject. My natural abilities and enthusiasm for art and expression through media have always been strong and I have a unquestionable commitment to do an art foundation course at university/college.

I am interested in exploring the roles of an artist as practitioner, researcher and curator that this course would offer. I would love to explore combined experimental studies and experience new areas of creative study, such as sculpture and ceramics, while broadening and strengthening the artistic skills I already have.

Official coursework and exams I have completed include an A* for GCSE Unendorsed Art and Design, and full marks in AS Level Fine Art, which included two units from my own source material and an examination brief unit. The source material used for units 1 and 2 were my own original photographs, which were included, along with many others, in my AS level fine art portfolio as extra coursework.

In the summer of 2006 I took part in work experience for two weeks with an interior design company. The skills I gained included photography, graphic and virtual design, broadened creativity in mixing media and colours and a portfolio of my own designs. I also have a part-time job in function suite, serving and working in the kitchens for events such as weddings, funerals, parties and christenings. I have been working there for a year and a half and it has developed, among others, my communication and people skills a great deal. This time working at Silkstone Lodge has given me opportunities where I have proven myself to be a reliable and responsible person.

In 2005 I participated in a regional Design and Technology challenge against other schools and colleges in the area. In this competition at Pontefract New College, we won first prize overall for skill and creativity. I have successfully completed Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinborough awards and I am continuing the scheme and working towards completing Gold. I have taken so much from the scheme, including realisation and/or development of skills, such as personal fitness, guitar performance, first aid and life saving.

Every year since I joined Wakefield Girls High School in 2002, I have attended open days to the public as either a tour guide or subject specialist (including art, design technology and chemistry). I am happy to give up a weekend every year to do this as I feel its so important to give what I can back to the school in whatever way I can. For this reason, about once a month I help at school events outside school hours, such as concerts or parents evenings, and I was elected to be a prefect and form prefect as a reward for my services and reliability. These positions also give me more responsibility opportunities during and outside school hours that strengthen me as a person and member of the school community.

Other school activities include being a active member of the original sound and lighting team which has given me many skills in technology that I use in school assemblies and performances, and occasional DJ opportunities in my part-time workplace. I would love to pursue this as a service or in a club at an institution such as university or college. I attend weekly debating societies, as an active member of the house, host, and developing the desire to join one of the debating teams themselves.

My strongest personal interests have always been focused on art and music. I have been playing the classical guitar for 7 years and my practised ability is going from strength to strength. I have performed in concerts and school events since I started playing and this has had a positive long-term affect on my confidence, with audiences of up to 800 people. Over the past couple of years I have developed an acute interest in photography. I take my camera with me wherever possible, mainly taking photographs for artistic purposes as well as casually capturing moments of fun.

My photography skills improved very quickly and a collection of my photographs were good enough to be included as art in my AS level art portfolio, as well as currently being in the final of a photography competition and having some photographs published in a book by www.picture.com . I fill my free time with drawing and painting with a variety of media and purposes, as well designating time and the highest degree of attention into creating pieces of art, usually on canvases as gifts for family and friends.

I am committed to a keep fit programme created for me personally at the local health club, and I also enjoy swimming after school or work as a way of relaxing. These add up to my regular fitness routine, but I have also taken part is an endless list of team and group sports, such as Tai Chi, tennis, cricket and water sports, in and outside school. One side of my family originate from Italy, with some members living in the UK that I see on a regular basis.

Although I am not fluent in Italian I can speak it to a useful communicative degree and I would love to further learn the language and join clubs at university or college centred around the language or Italian culture.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by scopatrice for application in 2000.

scopatrice's Comments

Personal statements should be about 2/3 about why you want to do the course/why you would be good for the uni to take on. 1/3 should be exrta-curric achievements and advantages as a uni student. mine is the other way round :S, but the content is all useful.

Related Personal Statements

Fashion/textiles applicant.

Wed, 28/11/2007 - 14:51

Hmm i actually found this (art foundation) statement quite ineresting at the start, but then it just kind of went off track completely when the writer started going too far into detail about their personal life. If they had focused more on which part of the subect they enjoyed most and why/ also which medium they enjoyed using or if they had any experience working in a team. Pfft, come on people, I haven't even began a statement yet and all it takes is some common sense reading another personal statement, instead of sitting there and whining because it's not already up to your standards. Sorry, to be harsh but I'm sure that even you know it's true!

It seems like you have an

Sun, 20/01/2008 - 10:18

It seems like you have an large amount of impressive acheivements/activities to talk about, yet I found the structure of the p.s. boring and found myself skipping bits out as I didnt feel a soulful energy in the way it was written; it seemed like you were bragging about your efforts more than expressing your passion for the things that you've done.

How can you refuse a student

Wed, 27/02/2008 - 13:41

How can you refuse a student like that even if their bragging their face off?

Impressive backlog of art

Tue, 04/11/2008 - 17:23

Impressive backlog of art related achievments but lacks the soul and passion of many others that ive read.

Why no paragraphs?? This

Thu, 01/10/2009 - 10:54

Why no paragraphs?? This whole thing's a massive block of text - nevermind it being boring, I can't read the damn thing.

I thought this statement was

Tue, 22/11/2011 - 17:56

I thought this statement was pretty impressive:)

This statement is so badly

Tue, 17/09/2013 - 10:52

This statement is so badly written I am surprised they passed GCSE English .

Interior Design Works Experience

Fri, 12/09/2014 - 14:11

I'm really interested in knowing what company you did your works experience with?

P.S.Really interesting and vibrant personal statement.

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