I'm in the process of filling out an application for screening for what I think is the premier art gallery in my area. I'm not worried about my images, they will either be accepted or not, nothing I can do about that at this point. What I am concerned about is the self-promotion aspect of this screening process. They require an Artist's Statement to be submitted along with my samples. I'm very uncomfortable with self-promotion and have been unable to come up with an Artist's Statement to date. Any advice on a painless way to promote yourself without coming across as self-absorbed or pretentious? Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated!!!!
In my opinion you should try to avoid over- "fluffing" it. I have seen some statements that were so over the top with new-age'y touchy-feely stuff I almost started laughing (which is probably not what you want). I suggest keeping it simple, honest, and personal - no grandstanding or ego-stroking, just what the work means to you, what you hope to achieve with it (message, response), and a touch of humility.
When I see statements starting with "so-and-so is one of the leading/most important/visionary artists working today...", I personally stop reading and move on.
Also a personal preference, and I know some will disagree - use first person.
Thanks Guy & John - definitely won't have to worry about this being 'over-fluffed'. Will probably be the most 'under-fluffed' statement in history. This is a VERY uncomfortable position for me as I do not like talking about me, at least in this context. Re: the 1 st person - definitely! I have never liked 3rd person write-ups, although I know sometimes they may be necessary for certain applications. Thanks John for your idea - I hadn't thought of that.
Posted by Richard Wong on June 28, 2006 at 2:28 PM
Personally I'd rather see an honest statement with humility regardless of how "accomplished" or not you are. You could go on and on how "Bill is one of the hardest working top photographers to ever hail out of the southeastern region of the U.S." and I would have dismissed you as an egotistical b.s'er without needing to read anything else. I think praise should be left up to third parties, not the person speaking about themself regardless of who it is. Facts are of the most interest to me. Fluff stuff about god's light and all that spiritual stuff turns me off as well. Does't matter to me if it's 1st or 3rd person. 1st sounds more personal, 3rd sounds more professional. Depends on your preference.
A lot of people confuse "artist's statement" with a "biography/resume". The first is a personal statement by the artist describing his/her vision and the reasons behind the work. An artist's statement can cover all of the artist's work or can be specific to a particular portfolio, series or body of work. A biography/resume, on the other hand is the place where you may list accomplishments and refer to any reviews written about you.
Some of the pevious comments on this thread seem to suggest that the two are the same, when they are not really. I personally believe an artist's statement should be considered an integral part of your work (portfolio in this case) because it will provide the required context for it. It gives meaning to the art you have created and allows others to appreciate it more.
FWIW, I would never write an artist's statement in 3rd person because it is supposed to be my statement.
Discussion
4 repliesIn my opinion you should try to avoid over- "fluffing" it. I have seen some statements that were so over the top with new-age'y touchy-feely stuff I almost started laughing (which is probably not what you want). I suggest keeping it simple, honest, and personal - no grandstanding or ego-stroking, just what the work means to you, what you hope to achieve with it (message, response), and a touch of humility.
When I see statements starting with "so-and-so is one of the leading/most important/visionary artists working today...", I personally stop reading and move on.
Also a personal preference, and I know some will disagree - use first person.
Guy
Just my opinion.
A lot of people confuse "artist's statement" with a "biography/resume". The first is a personal statement by the artist describing his/her vision and the reasons behind the work. An artist's statement can cover all of the artist's work or can be specific to a particular portfolio, series or body of work. A biography/resume, on the other hand is the place where you may list accomplishments and refer to any reviews written about you.
Some of the pevious comments on this thread seem to suggest that the two are the same, when they are not really. I personally believe an artist's statement should be considered an integral part of your work (portfolio in this case) because it will provide the required context for it. It gives meaning to the art you have created and allows others to appreciate it more.
FWIW, I would never write an artist's statement in 3rd person because it is supposed to be my statement.
Hope this helps. Good luck!