The Artist's Statement

From the Women's Caucus for Art (WCA) packet "Presenting Your Work" written by Leslie J. Klein, edited by Ann Rosenthal and published by the WCA.

The artist's statement is the one place in this packet that can be as creative as you wish. Your words can be as literal or poetic as your work, imparting a feeling as well as a description. If you are describing technique or media, you may want to tell why those elements are an integral part of your work, or what the process means in terms of expression.

It is perfectly acceptable to get help in writing the statement - after all, we are visual artists, and some of us don't feel comfortable writing about our work. Professional writing services and freelance writers abound in most cities. The following are some questions that may help to stimulate and crystallize your thoughts:

• Why have you chosen to create this imagery?
• What role does light, color, form, space, and/or motion play in your work?
• What role does emotional, philosophical, social, or political content play?
• How does your art relate to your life?
• What does your art say about your ideals, about a perfect world, or a less than perfect world?
• Do you have a favorite saying, poem or song that embodies your art making? How does this quotation echo your thoughts?
• How do you feel when you are working at your art? * How do you wish others to feel when viewing your work?

It is probably better not to include a statement at all than to offer a cursory paragraph that has little conviction behind it.