CIA Library: Writing an Artist Statement: Guides for writing an artist statement

Writing Guides

Information about writing an artist statement is often embedded in books on broader subjects like art careers, grant proposals, etc. The books shown below are excellent places to start learning about writing effective artist statements.

Art-Write: the writing guide for visual artists by Vicki Amorose
Call Number: N 8351 .A7 A46 2013

This is a great place to start! In clear and direct language, this small book provides step-by-step advice on crafting an artist statement and writing for different stages in an artist's career.
I'd Rather Be in the Studio by Alyson Stanfield
Call Number: N8350 .S72 2019

ISBN: 9780983146230

Being perceived can be scary! This book provides tips for self-promotion; chapter 2, "My Art Speaks for Itself," has exercises for creating a successful artist statement.
Writing the Artist Statement: Revealing the True Spirit of Your Work by Ariane Goodwin
Call Number: N 8351 .A7 G66 2002

Goodwin’s informal style gently coaches and encourages you through a variety of exercises to help you identify the ideas behind your art and to write about them in a way that connects with an audience.
The Practical Handbook for the Emerging Artist by Margaret Lazzari
Call Number: N 8350 .L39 2021

ISBN: 9780500296059

This handbook contains a plethora of information including how to describe your work and share it with others.
The Artist's Guide to Grant Writing: how to find funds and write foolproof proposals for the visual, literary, and performing artist by Gigi Rosenberg
Call Number: NX 705.5 .U6 R67 2010

Be sure to take a look at chapter 7 "Craft Your Artist Statement, Bio, and Résumé." It has a very useful list of artist statement “Dos” and “Don’ts.”
Getting Your Sh*t Together: The Ultimate Business Manual for Every Practicing Artist by Karen Atkinson
Call Number: N8350 .A85 2014

ISBN: 9781495392207

A guide to all of the sh*t you might deal with in your career including writing artist statements (pg 39).
Writing for the Visual Arts by Mashey Bernstein; George Yatchisin
Call Number: N 7476 .B47 2001

This book is filled with information from “How to write about your art” (chapter 2) to “Writing art manifestos: expressing your philosophy” (chapter 6) and “How to write grants and proposals” (chapter 8).
Writing about Art by Henry M. Sayre
Call Number: N 7476 .S29 2009

The focus of this book is on writing about someone else’s art, but this edition’s appendix entitled “A Short Guide to Usage and Style: The Rules and Principles Most Often Violated in Writing About Art” can be helpful when writing about your art.

This search bar can be used to find books and articles to help guide you in drafting an artist statement:

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Examples of articles that can be found through our databases:

Adamson, Glenn. “When Artists Write About Their Work,” American Craft, V. 72 # 3 (June/July 2012), 22-23.

This short essay discusses the purpose and elements of an ideal artist statement and is recommended by the CIA ceramics faculty.

Schreiber, Barbara."War of The Words," Art Papers Magazine V. 25 (Mar/Apr 2001), 10.

A brief article with tips for writing an artist statement and why it matters.

These articles are also available in print in our library.

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There are numerous online guides to writing artist statements such as: