How to Write an Artist Statement: A Practical Guide for Emerging Creatives

Writing an artist statement can feel daunting , like trying to explain a feeling with math. But it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re applying for an exhibition, building your website, or printing a catalogue, a well-written artist statement helps people connect with your work on a deeper level.

This article will break down the basics of writing an effective artist statement, with anonymous examples to help you see the process in action.

What is an Artist Statement?
An artist statement is a short text that explains your creative practice. It should answer questions like:

• What are you making?

• Why are you making it?

• How do you make it?

• What themes or ideas are you exploring?

It’s not a biography or a CV. Think of it as a bridge between you and your audience ; including curators, collectors, and casual viewers.

1. Start With Your Medium and Focus

Begin by clearly stating what kind of artist you are and what you make.

Example:
"I’m a Nigerian visual artist working primarily in ink and collage. My work blends architectural form with emotional memory."

Keep it specific. If you’re multidisciplinary, say that. If your medium changes, focus on what ties your work together.

2. Talk About Your Themes or Questions

What are you investigating in your work? What emotions, histories, or ideas do you want to express?

 Example:
"Through abstraction, I explore my relationship with language and the silence that exists between words."

Example:
"I use textile techniques to reflect on ancestral knowledge, feminine labour, and healing."

Keep this personal. Don’t write what your work “tries” to do , write what you are doing. Say "I explore," "I reflect on," "I examine" take ownership of your process.

3. Mention Your Process (If It Matters)

If how you work is integral to what you make, include a line or two about your process or approach.

 Example:
"I begin each piece by collecting discarded materials from my surroundings, allowing chance and imperfection to guide the composition."

 Example:
"Much of my painting process happens outdoors, I respond to natural light and weather as collaborators in the work."

4. Let It Be Human

You’re not writing a press release. Your statement can be warm, clear, and honest.

 Too vague:
"My art aims to push boundaries and challenge norms."

 Stronger:
"I’m interested in the tension between freedom and safety , I make images that hold both."

Avoid art jargon or academic buzzwords unless they’re truly necessary. Write like you're speaking to someone who’s curious, not already an expert.

5. Keep It Short (100–150 Words)

A good artist statement is short enough to read in under a minute, especially for a website, social media bio, or exhibition.

A simple structure:

• What do I make?

• What do I care about?

• How do I work?

• Why does it matter to me?

Final Sample Statement :

"I’m a self-taught painter based in Lagos, working with acrylics and found paper. My practice focuses on memory and place — I paint the homes I’ve lived in from memory, often layering floor plans with childhood objects. I’m drawn to architectural forms because they hold stories without words. Through muted colour palettes and torn edges, I try to express what’s been forgotten but still felt."