Writing a great Artist Statement
Every once and a while, an artist statement makes me reach for the dictionary. This was the case when I read Andy Maugh's Artist Statement for his solo exhibition, Ostium Staircase. The three words that got me were: Ostium, Pareidolic, and Exgencies (definitions below).
Uke-Uke-Neen, Graphite and colored pencil on Dura-lar, 12 x 9 inches
Intercoastal Meadow (No. 4, 2023), Cherry and walnut with paint, sand, lights and metal hardware, 38 x 13 1⁄2 x 6 1⁄2 inches
Writing an Artist Statement can be an intimidating hurdle for artists. However, these statements are often required when pursuing opportunities such as exhibitions, grants, or awards. Artist Statements should cover three basics elements: What, Why, and How. A great artist statement will grant the viewer a deeper understanding about the artist and their work.
In my opinion, Andy has written a fantastic Artist Statement.
The breakdown:
Highlights a recent evolution in his studio practice
Shares inspirations and influences that contextualizes this body of work
Outlines his artistic process
Identifies core concepts that underpin the work
Gives the reader insight into his background outside of the studio
Even though Andy's statement had me reaching for the dictionary, he successfully avoided including cliches and excess industry jargon. He kept the statement relevant to the work that is included in his exhibition. Beyond that, his statement encouraged me to further consider the relationship between his drawings and sculptures.
"Rooted in pareidolic biomorphism, my artistic style captures the innate human inclination to discern meaning in ostensibly random forms." ~ Andy Maugh
Let me say, after reading the above sentence, I've noticed that I spend more time considering his drawings and find myself questioning "what" it is that I believe I'm seeing. Again, this is an example of how a good Artist Statement can enrich the experience of viewing or considering an artist's work.
Thanks for reading! ~ Courtney Wasson, Executive Director
Just in case you were curious, here are the definitions I referred to:
Ostium: a mouthlike opening in a bodily part (such as a fallopian tube or a blood vessel)
Pareidolic: the tendency to perceive a specific, often meaningful image in a random or ambiguous visual pattern
Exgencies: urgent needs or demands.
Things to include in an Artist Statement...
Key ideas, issues, struggles, goals within your work or studio practice
Thematic focus of work (goal, purpose, intention, exploration)
Give the reader a visual and to set your work in time and space.
Content of work (themes, ideas, subject matter).
Influences (cultural, historical, theoretical, art historical, personal, biographical)
Form of work (materials, processes, tradition of work: abstract, figurative, etc.)
Describe your process and what the work looks/sounds like, etc
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