How to Write an Artist Statement: A Guide for Art Students and Emerging Artists

If you’re pursuing a career in the arts—whether you're a college student, graduate student, or emerging professional—you’ve likely been asked to write an artist statement. It might seem daunting at first, but a well-crafted artist statement is a powerful tool that can help clarify your voice, define your purpose, and connect your audience to your work. In this article, we’ll explore why artist statements are important, what they should include, common do’s and don’ts, and share a few examples to get you started.

​Why Are Artist Statements Important?

An artist statement is more than just a description of your work—it’s a bridge between your creative practice and your audience. Here’s why they matter:

• Contextualizes Your Work: Helps viewers, curators, and collectors understand what they're looking at and why it matters.
• Clarifies Intentions: Shows the thought process and influences behind your art, providing a narrative that complements the visual.
• Professional Tool: Often required when applying to residencies, galleries, grants, or exhibitions.
• Self-Reflection: Writing about your art can help you better understand your own motivations and refine your creative direction.
• Helps Others Make a Connection: Writing about your art can help buyers get to know you and start to feel connected to your story or process.  

​What Should Be in an Artist Statement?

​Artist statements vary depending on the context (a thesis exhibition vs. a grant proposal), but a basic structure often includes the following:

1. Introduction (1–2 sentences)
   • Briefly state what kind of art you make and the main themes you explore.
2. Body (1–2 paragraphs)
   • Describe your process, materials, and techniques.
   • Discuss the conceptual ideas or questions you’re exploring.
   • Mention influences or sources of inspiration (philosophy, literature, history, personal experience, etc.).
3. Conclusion (1–2 sentences)
   • Reflect on what you want viewers to take away or what your goals are as an artist.

Do’s and Don’ts of Writing an Artist Statement

Do:

• Write in the first person: It's your voice. Let it sound like you.
• Keep it concise: Typically 100–300 words.
• Be honest and clear: Avoid jargon unless it’s truly essential to your work.
• Tailor it for your audience: A gallery might need a different tone than a class critique.

Don’t:

• ❌ Don’t over-explain or “solve” your artwork. Leave space for interpretation.
• ❌ Don’t use overly academic or theoretical language unless it’s natural to your practice.
• ❌ Don’t include your entire biography or resume—save that for a CV.
• ❌ Don’t use clichés or generalities (“I’ve been making art since I could hold a pencil…”).

Don’t Do This!
When I was in college and just starting to write artist statements, I tried to pack in as much art jargon as possible. I wanted to impress my classmates and professors and prove how art-savvy I was. I wrote sentences like, "Through a layered interrogation of pigment and form, the work deconstructs traditional aesthetic hierarchies while situating itself within a post-minimalist framework that challenges the viewer's phenomenological engagement with surface and space." Don’t do this! It turns people off and creates a barrier between you and your audience. Instead of drawing people in, it pushes them away.

​Sample Artist Statement Examples

Example 1 – For a painter focused on abstract landscapes
“My paintings are abstract interpretations of natural spaces, shaped by memory and emotion rather than geography. I layer acrylic washes and textural mediums to evoke shifting light, wind, and atmosphere. Inspired by hikes in the Southwest, I seek to create immersive environments that reflect both internal and external landscapes. My work invites viewers to pause, wander, and reflect.”
Example 2 – For a sculptor working with found objects
“I work primarily with discarded materials—metal scraps, broken furniture, and forgotten tools—to construct sculptures that explore themes of labor, memory, and resilience. My process involves deconstruction and reassembly, allowing each object’s history to guide the final form. Influenced by the aesthetics of decay and industrial ruins, my sculptures challenge viewers to find beauty and meaning in what’s been left behind.”

Remember, your artist statement is a living document. It will evolve as your work evolves, so revisit it regularly. Think of it as an ongoing conversation between you, your work, and the world around you. And above all, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through—it’s your voice, your vision, and your story.

Bonus- My Own Artist Statements 

Here are a couple of example of my own artists statements.  The first is my long format version which you will find in my website.  The second is a short version that I use for bios, gallery walls, etc.  
​
Bruce Black – Artist Statement | Southwest Landscape Paintings
As a landscape artist, I draw inspiration from the rugged beauty and luminous light of the American Southwest. Growing up in Arizona and spending years exploring its diverse landscapes—from Northern Arizona’s high deserts to the Tetons of Wyoming—these regions have deeply shaped both my personal history and my artistic vision.

My goal is to go beyond depicting the physical beauty of these places. I seek to capture the emotional and spiritual essence of the land—moments when light and shadow create a sense of mystery, introspection, and awe. These landscapes evoke both a humbling reminder of our smallness and a sense of connection to something larger than ourselves.

The creative process begins with direct studies in nature, followed by refining composition, value, and color in the studio. By using traditional techniques and archival materials, I aim to create enduring works that resonate with viewers on a deeper level.

My paintings are designed to transform any space they inhabit. Whether displayed in a home, office, or gallery, my landscapes bring a sense of tranquility, offering a peaceful connection to the natural world. I hope my work serves as a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us and inspires a renewed appreciation for the environment.
​
Short Version Artist Statement: Inspired by the rugged beauty and radiant light of the American Southwest, my landscape paintings aim to capture the emotional and spiritual essence of these majestic places. Growing up in Arizona and exploring the diverse regions of the Southwest, I seek to evoke both the mystery of light and shadow and the profound connection we feel to nature. Using traditional techniques and archival materials, my work invites peace and reflection, transforming any space it inhabits. Whether in a home, office, or gallery, my landscapes offer a calming presence and a reminder of the beauty and serenity found in the natural world.

Additional Resources For Writing your Artist Statement 

1. New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) – The Artist Statement: 5 Do's and Don'ts
NYFA provides concise tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and write a compelling statement.
Read the article
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2. Artsy – 4 Tips for Writing a Good Artist Statement
This guide offers a thoughtful approach to crafting an artist statement, emphasizing clarity and authenticity.
Explore the guide
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3. ArtBusiness.com – Writing an Artist Statement
ArtBusiness.com provides practical advice on writing clear and concise artist statements, with an emphasis on plain English and authenticity.
Read more
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4. Artnet News – How Do I Write a Statement About My Exhibition That Isn't a Total Cliché?
Offers practical advice on writing clear and concise artist statements, with an emphasis on plain English and authenticity.
Read more
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5. NYFA – Tips for Effectively Writing and Talking About Your Work
NYFA provides practical advice on writing clear and concise artist statements, with an emphasis on plain English and authenticity.
Read more​

I hope you have found this article helpful.  I would love to hear your own thoughts on how to write a great artists statement or see your examples.  

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