We’re craftspeople, artists, makers because we love to make stuff. We thrill at the planning and research stage, enthusiastically jump into the hands on work, exult in the final touches…
But when the exhilaration of making’s done, the tough stuff begins. We often want to present our work to the public, and that usually entails some kind of writing. Most often, an artist statement and bio are requested from granting bodies, calls for submission, gallery proposals, etc. If you’re an experienced artist, you scroll through your files and give an old document a quick edit. If you’re new to the professional world of art and craft, you may find yourself staring blankly at the page and cursing all this “art speak” stuff.
Well, curse no more! Think of an artist statement as not just an onerous hoop you have to jump through but as an opportunity to genuinely reflect on your ideas and making practice. Sometimes finding words for the previously unspoken can breath new life and fresh ideas into your work and allow you to gain perspective and confidence in what you do.
At artstudy.org they describe an artist statement this way:
An artist statement is a general introduction of your work as an artist. It is the what, how, and why of your work, from your own perspective. It helps you convey the deeper meaning or purpose of your work to the audience (clients, gallery owners, scholarship boards, entrance panels, etc.).
They offer some good advice and how to tips on writing an artist statement here.
And your bio is a chance to summarize your artistic achievements thus far. It is really your artist CV in a prose format, highlighting your primary artistic accomplishments. Click here for a good little article on the difference between a bio and an artist statement.
If you are truly feeling stumped and writing is not a forte for you, don’t forget that you can always “call an art friend” to help get you started. Sometimes a person less invested in your work can offer the perspective you need and help you express in words what you are trying to accomplish in your craft practice.
And don’t forget to apply for the MCC/MCML juried show this year. Find out more here.
