To have work accepted into galleries or shows or to offer commissions, the public wants to know about you. Who you are, why you create, what drives you, etc., etc. This information is contained in an artist's statement. It becomes a marketing piece for you and for your work. And it is something that artist's dread more than a blank white canvas with no ideas. But there are lots of ideas and guides to help you through the process. Its rather like writing a resume in an abbreviated form. It will evolve and change over time to suit your purposes.I have created my own recently and found that the process made me think carefully about what I do, what medium I enjoy and where my strengths are. I know it will change again, just as I will, but that's fine. Its meant to be. To read it, click on the image.
It is a one page document with a self portrait which allows potential customers to see my background and view my work and me at the same time. Any of your art can be displayed on this document or it can be left plain. I like the idea of adding my work to it; it becomes an effective marketing tool, but it may not be suitable for all situations.
Here are a few guides that I found to help you through the process of creating your own artist's statement:
How to write and use and artist's statement
ArtBusiness
Writing an Effective Artist's Statement
By Tacey A. Rosolowski
The Dreaded Artist's Statement - Artadvice.com
Artists Foundation
I've tried another drawing using the Negative Drawing method. This is of Kit, my horse. The reference image for this was taken last week and is here. I like the way this is going, but it is quite small and started as a test drawing in my sketchbook. Also the background is so busy in this image, however I can change that and put her anywhere I guess. I'll play a little more and see where it leads.Technorati tags: art, artist statement, drawing, negative drawing, horse
4 comments:
The little portrait of yourself is a very nice touch to the résumé. :)
Have you taken commissions before? I think it's incredibly exciting to know that people think you're talented and would pay for your skills.
thanks Mallika :o)
yes I used to take commissions, but haven't for awhile. Its a double edged sword really, but necessary to get back into the arts community.
Does it feel restrictive in the sense that you're not trying to bring your own vision to fruition but the client's? I had a very artsy friend who took commissions for graphics, logos, and such, and he used to regale me with horror stories about some of his clients -- their demands, the way they thought that paying him meant they got to mistreat him as they liked, etc.
By arts community, you mean like professional artists and gallery owners and whatnot?
Its like any other job, some parts are good, some parts not so good. You do what you must to live in the circle of light that you wish.
Yes, customers can be particular and unrealistic and demanding. It comes with the territory.
And yes, the arts community that I speak of takes in everything, artists, galleries, etc.
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