Creating an Artist Statement
"I think people who are not artists often feel that artists are inspired. But if you work at your art, you don't have to be
inspired. Out of the work, comes the work." John Cage
What is an artist statement?
An artist statement is a concise written document by the artist that explains the nature of his or her artistic work.
The artist's statement needs to explain in a few brief statements what your art is about. Don't try to be overly artsy,
use simple, clear language. This can help you define your goals, and may need to be re-written from time to time as
you develop. Try using questions to help you decide what to write: Why do I paint? What do I paint? Where do I get
my ideas? Who do I hope to touch with my images? Use the statement to maintain your focus and to help explain
your work to others.
Most statements are one page, often three or four paragraphs long. Begin with a thesis statement and continue to
build on it. The purpose of your artist's statement is to educate the viewer by providing important insights into the
why and how of what you do. The intention of an artist statement is to be positive and educational. Not only does it
clarify for the artist and the professionals with whom s/he may work, but it also prevents any misrepresentation of
the artist’s intent to the public and peers. The objectives of the artist statement are to inform, identify, and educate.
You may believe that your art should and does speak for itself, but an artist statement acts as a basic introduction to
your artwork, not an explanation.
There are many instances in which an artist is asked to compose an artist statement. Whether in response to a
specific request by a gallery or collector, in response to a particular grant proposal or in conjunction with a curatorial
statement, or simply at the will of the artist, there are certain guidelines one should follow to creating an effective
artist statement.
It's important to remember that, although you may not like the idea of writing about your art, your artist statement is
an important part of your professional career as an artist. It is meant to educate those who see your artwork about
who you are as an artist and what you create.
Please write a one page artist's statement that explains the technique, underlying conceptual base or philosophical
position of your work. The first draft of the assignment will be sent via E-mail to me by Thursday, April 29.
( aortega@regis.edu)
Look over the following questions in writing your artist’s statement:
1. What is the subject matter and content of your artwork? What is your work about?
2. Where do your ideas come from? Are you ideas autobiographical, or do they come from dreams, culture, history,
or nature?
3. What is the underling philosophy of your work? Does your work have a political, social, or other agenda?
4. Who are your favorite artists and do you see their influence in your work? How?
5. How do you use formal elements like color, line, shape, value, space, texture, and principles of design and
composition, to create and express your ideas?
6. What kinds of things do you learn about yourself by making art? What are some of the surprises that you have
discovered while working?
7. From your portfolio, which are your favorite pieces, or favorite parts of your work? Analyze them and explain
why they are your favorite.
8. What kinds of things do you learn about yourself by making art? What are some of the surprises that you have
discovered while working?
9. Do you have a style that you can describe? How did you arrive at this style? Is it traditional, contemporary, avantgarde, realistic, abstract etc? Explain.
10. What kinds of images and ideas do you like to use? Do you explore these images in your work? Are your
interests inspired by sources like art history, dreams, childhood memories, etc?
11. Do you take risks? Do you use non-traditional art materials? Is your work experimental? Have you developed a
new process or technique?
12. How do to work (create)? Do you describe what you see, or do you visualize from your imagined, or do you
symbolize an idea and or concept?