|
|
Don't you agree that writing
An Artist Statement is one of the more Intimidating Tasks we're
asked to do?
Wouldn't you rather spend your last dime on great art supplies
than try to figure out what someone wants to know about your work...
that they can't already see?
Ah... if it was as simple as seeing.
If we humans weren't such complex beings with visual,
auditory, kinesthetic, psychic, and linguistic
sensibilities (to name a few), surviving in a culture where over
stimulation is the name of the game.
But we are, and you are, and that requires multiple levels of connection
with our audience.
That's where an artist statement comes in: helping you expand the
dimensions of connection.
Writing
the Artist Statement: Revealing the True Spirit of Your Work
by Ariane Goodwin, Ed.D. takes it all on. As one art educator asked
her, "Goodness, what did you find to say for 142 pages?"
This book was good for me to read, encouraging and fun
to do. It never occurred to me that my statement would change over
time as my work evolved. Thank you. –Karen J. Wassmer,
artist
This book gives you:
- The working definition of an artist statement.
- Proven writing methods.
- What gallery owners really think about artist statements.
- The top strategies for presentation.
- Which fears will stop you cold.
- How to capture your organic "self-talk" about your work.
- Why some artist statements shine, and others whine.
- What helps "seal the deal" with serious collectors.
Really, I leave no stone unturned. (or... if I have, I invite you
to let me know. Could be one or two pebbles that I've missed - and
you'll have nothing but my gratitude if you point them out.)
From beginning to end, your book was easy to follow and
understand. –Bruce Fowler, sculptor
I also understand that artists don't want to pick through a word
jungle to find the gold. This information is accessible - for quick,
easy reading - with plenty of wide-open, white spaces to
soothe the artist's eye.
Chapters are short and snappy. No
filler here. And everything is developmentally designed to take
you step-by-step through why, how, where,
and when you need that statement.
Here, take a peek:
Section One: WARMING UP
Excerpt, Chapter 3: Soul:
Not For Sale
Section Two: WORKING OUT
Excerpt, Chapter 13:
Reservations/Motivations
Section Three: COOLING DOWN
Excerpt, Chapter 44: Presentation
Is Almost Everything
Section One:
WARMING UP
Excerpt, Chapter 3: Soul:
Not For Sale
Marketing strategies, by their very nature, are designed to be
manipulative, while the power of an artist statement lies in the
authenticity of its authorship. When you define an artist statement
as a marketing ploy, it effectively undermines the sincerity needed
for a convincing, compelling statement.
We humans instinctively know when something is done with care or
not. There is a resonance of the cared for that is unmistakable.
We may not be able to say exactly why, or what, we are responding
to, but when something is done with respect to authenticity and
the spirit, respond we do.
My artistic partner is dyslexic, with a real writing
phobia. Your book is a fantastic teaching aid. The floodgates have
opened and made him realize that he can write. What a godsend! –J.
Brett, London, UK
Section
Two: WORKING OUT
Excerpt, Chapter 13: Reservations/Motivations
Given that so many other people take liberties with words about
an artist's work - the critics, the writers, the viewers - one would
think that artists would snap at the chance to stake their claim.
Not so. For many artists, written language is fraught with land
mines, and they simply prefer to hang out in the country of the
Strictly Visual, or Strictly Musical, or Strictly Performing.
One of the most common responses an artist gives, when asked about
an artist statement, is a variation of "My work cannot be reduced
to words", as if words were evil alchemists ready to turn an artist's
creative gold to dust.
One way to work with this resistance is to tackle it head on, with
a WRITING EXERCISE. The key word here is "exercise" - nothing too
serious, and something you can throw away for any, or no reason
in particular. So, grab your writing pad, your choice of writing
implement, and a kitchen timer. It's time to work out.
You have given the art world a valuable insight and tool.
–Brady Harp, gallery owner & top 100 Amazon.com
reviewer
Section
Three: COOLING DOWN
Excerpt, Chapter 44: Presentation
Is Almost Everything
You have written your statement, now it's time to put it in front
of your audience. Here's where paying attention to detail continues
to pay a handsome return. Remember, every, single presentation detail
builds a cumulative aura, a signature of style, which lingers around
your work, whether you want it to or not. Neglecting details, in
the hope that their absence will get you off the hook, does not
work; for absences, like silences, carry their own message, a message
that is much more difficult to influence and direct than the details
you tried to avoid.
Writing the artist statement focused my connection to
my art in a new way. The whole process primed me, gave me a sense
of direction. Now, when I'm faced with choosing what to paint out
of hundreds of photographs, understanding what moves me, this core
place of nostalgia, gives me the reference point I need. –R.
McMurray
Pres. of the Federation of Canadian Artists
And don't let the nay sayers fool you. Artist
statements get a bad rap because they're badly written!
And they are badly written because most artists haven't a clue
where to start, or what an artist statement is!
I recently sold 3 paintings! My statement is having immediate
results, which I never anticipated. One buyer told me that my artist
statement made her realize she needed to purchase one of my works!
Again, thank you. –M. DeMarco, painter
If you like going it alone... If you want to work on a new skill,
and grow new, neural dendrites in your brain, then get the book
Writing
the Artist Statement: Revealing the True Spirit of Your Work.
And best of all, you don't even have to like to write.
|
In fact, you don't have to write
at all. Now you have access to an expert
who specializes in writing artist statements.
- If you want a statement and you want it now...
- If you can't imagine what on earth you have to say about
your work...
- If you think writing ranks right up there with cleaning
the bathroom... then, talk to me.
- If you love to write... but not
about your art!
...then, I'll write it for you. Yup! And it's perfectly legit.
I've perfected a unique, 7-Step interview process just for
artists at war with words. If I do my job right, your artist
statement will sound like I took the words right out of your
mouth. (Which is exactly what I do!)
Like constructing a puzzle, I ask, listen, and then put
the pieces together - with your words!
Your essence! Your authentic
voice! Your statement! The only
difference is... you speak it and I write it.
|
The artist statement sounds great! I like the way you
included the new material I sent, especially your phrasing: "Intuition
informs what reason shapes." You've captured the essence of my work.
–O. Stamatiou, painter
But if you relish a whole learning experience, then go with the
book, Writing
the Artist Statement.
This book is motivating and reassuring. It provides an
easy, workable approach that removes the barriers to writing an
artist statement. It is a great addition to any artist's reference
library. –R. H. McMurray, painter
Ariane's writing is like honey for bees. When she turns
a phrase, it all but stands on its head! –Judy Phillips,
Archival Center Director
Writing your artist statement has never
been so easy!
P.S. So, go ahead; expand your Art Supply
Kit.
- Want an extended learning experience?
Get
the book.
- Can't stand writing, but want it yesterday?
or call USA (EST) 1-413-659-3307. My turn around time will
truly surprise you.
As basic as good art supplies:
Give yourself the Best Presentation & Career Resources an artist
can find...
Isn't it your time to
|
