Guidelines on Writing a Good Artists Statement and ResumeBy Reinaldo Arvelo
Your art work should always be accompanied by an artist statement and resume
if you are going to submit your work to a gallery. Your statement should be
your defense and your voice. Your resume should be a brief collection of
experiences, exposure, organizations, commissions, publications, or
lectures. The importance of having both an artist statement and resume is
essential for all beginning artists.
Your Artist Statement: For your statement try not to be vague. Always explain "why" you say what you say. As an artist, I focus on three important details in my statement. Your influence, Your Process, and Your Intention. When writing about your art it is best to describe what your influences are. For example, if nature is your motivation than explain what are the influences that nature provides you. Your influences can be spiritual just as long as you explain why and what they are and how they influence you. The way you execute your work is also an important topic in your statement. Your process should reflect with your influences. Do not confuse your work habit with your process. Focus on the evolution of the work itself. Why do you use that color? Why is it shaped that way? Keep in mind that your materials also play a big part in your statement. Even the surface you work on can play a big important aesthetic meaning or quality to your artwork. Lastly, on writing a good artist statement, you should explain your intention. Give your defense on what you are trying to tell people about your work. Is you work to explain, stimulate, poke fun of, inform, or an opinion or maybe a belief. No matter what the intent it should represent you and your work. I usually end my statement with the intention because it answers the "why" process and the "what" influences that support it. Your Artist Resume: Your artist resume is simply a listing of your artistic career and experience. Even if you do not have much experience you can still be able put together a good resume. Start by writing down gallery shows you have been in and keep group shows and solo shows apart. What commissions, projects or art work you have sold? List any periodicals you have been in like magazines, books, and articles. Any organizations, clubs, or memberships you are a part of. Make sure to provide your information like an address, email and phone number to contact you. Also add your education. Below is a simple setup on how to put together your resume: Name Education Solo Shows Year, title of show, name of gallery, city and sate Group Shows Year, title of show, name of gallery, city and state Commission / Projects title of commission or project, who commissioned it, city and state Awards Articles year, publication, title Clubs and Organizations Employment (optional)
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