Friday, March 26, 2010

Jo Lankester: Writing an Artist Statement

Hi, I'm Jo Lankester and thank you for joining my printmaking blog, today I will be discussing my approach to writing an effective artist statement.

I am required to submit two images and an artist statement for my involvement in XXX+Y printmaking exhibition, 1 May until 27 June 2010, for promotional purposes.

Most artists struggle to write about their own work, me included, so I approached it from the angle of an interview and what I thought a journalist would ask me.

To start writing my artist statement I broke the task into 6 steps. These steps helped me write an effect artist statement which I intend to be a moving testament to my creativity.
Step 1
Brainstorming answers to Why I do what I do, How did I get into printmaking? How do I feel when my printmaking practice is going well? What are my favorite things about my printmaking practice?
Step 2
I then wrote a three paragraph artist statement. I kept my sentences authentic and direct.
Step 3
I then left my artist statement overnight so I could subconsciously think about my writing.
Step 4
I read my statement outloud so I could get a feel for how it flowed and made appropriate changes where required.
Step 5
I then emailed a copy to a friend to proof read.
Step 6 
I then saved my rough drafts and notes so I can refer back to it as I create a new body of work.

I challenge you to make your life a masterpiece. I challenge you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk.
Anthony Robbins

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