An artist statement is a not-too-long series of sentences that describe what you make and why you make it. It's a stand-in for you, the artist, talking to someone about your work in a way that adds to their experience of viewing that work.
Contracts like an artist agreement help avoid miscommunications and confusion over the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved. Artist agreements typically include availability expectations, performance markers, and licensing or ownership rights of the works created during the partnership.
It is a legal agreement that binds the Artist and the Company to fulfill all the terms and conditions contained in it. All Individual Artist Agreements must be in compliance with the respective Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Often, artists are instructed to write a three-paragraph statement that begins with a broad overview of their ideas, then gives an explanation of their materials, and ends with a description of their personal philosophies.
Sample Letter: I am greatly inspired by the beauty of the local landscape, especially the desert canyons. I enjoy the specific challenges that it offers as subject matter. I hope to someday be able to convey the sense of quiet transcendence that I find in my relationship with the land.
Writing an Artist's Statement? Start with These Questions What does your work look like? What are its physical properties? How does it exist in space? Where do we see it? Is your work temporal? How are you making this work? Why do you make this work? How do viewers experience your work?
An artist's statement should tell the viewer what they need to know about you and your artwork in a simple and concise way. Generally, an artist's statement shouldn't be 150 to 200 words.
How to Write an Artistic Statement Brainstorm. The first hurdle is to figure out what to write about. Freewrite. The process of writing without judgment or self-editing can help artists get at their basic philosophy. Rewrite what stands out. In general, be specific. Be clear and concise. Proofread. Use your own voice.
Example: “My body of work combines (the how) photography and original writing (the what) to investigate themes of time and memory (the why).”
Write a three paragraph artist's statement First paragraph: Who are you. What is your work about. Why do you do the work you do.