I'd like to make a Statement

Art is so universal because it doesn't need words to convey the message. When most people were illiterate, churches would hire artists to illuminate their alter pieces with depictions of doctrine. The art did the talking. So- what is the point of an artists statement? Why attach words to something that should speak for itself?

An artist's statement is not instructions on how people should interpret the painting. Rather, it additional information. It's a window into the artist's thought process, why he chose that media, why he chose the topic, how he went about doing it. Hopefully, when someone looks at your art it inspires questions, and hopefully an artists statement answers some of them. Artists statements are essential to teach in a classroom. It's one thing for kids to produce art. It's another to ask them to express why and how they did it. Students need to understand that art should speak for itself, but that an artists statement has a purpose.

When I go to a gallery, I seldom look at the artists statement plaque next to it unless a piece really intrigues me. I usually have questions about it. To teach students how to understand and write artists statements, I'd pull out some art that either have artists statements, or some of my own art that I've written statements for, and have them ask questions. This would get them engaged with a piece and curious about it. Then we could read the artists statement and see if any of the questions were answered. A teacher could easily guide the discussion and give examples of good questions to ask about the art.

After you've questioned art and read examples of artist statements, you can move on to how to write your own. I'd write questions on the board including the ones you asked when looking at the other art to help them brainstorm. In her lesson plan, teacher Pam Stephens gives sample questions such as:

• What are your personal art values or aesthetic?
• How are your personal art values or aesthetic seen in your artwork?
• What do you like best about the finished product?
• Describe the medium you use.
• Describe your style.
• Describe a theme that runs through your work.
• Why did you decide to become an artist?
• What do you like best about making art?
• What has influenced your work (Travel? Other artists? Family? Culture?) How does your work reflect this influence? (Incredible)
• what did you enjoy about creating this piece?
• What were some difficulties you had and how did you work through them?
• What is your favorite tool? Why?
• Why did you create this piece?

In the book ”How to Write an Artist's Statement” by Melissa Wotherspoon, she poses these questions:

How does the creation of art make you feel? What emotions do you wish to convey?

If the statement refers to a specific piece, why did you choose to represent this piece in this way? What do you call the piece and why? What materials did you use? What are the dimensions of the piece? (This can also apply to a series of works, like for our show)

What inspires you? How are your inspirations expressed in your work?

What message are you trying to convey to the viewer?

How much time is spent creating your pieces?

How is your work a reflection of you?

What is your vision/philosophy?

What are your techniques and style and how do these relate to the medium?

How do your techniques and style relate to your vision/philosophy?

Why do you create art and what does it mean to you?(How to)

All these questions are great, but you as the teacher should decide on the best ones to use as examples. The maturity of your students should guide you in choosing appropriate questions. For younger grades, have them answer around three, for older kids more depth should be expected.

Christopher Bruce, a secondary art teacher, had his students interview each other about their art (Monthly). I think that would be another great exercise to help the students see what other people want to know about their pieces.

Artist Statements do have a point and they're worth teaching. I don't remember learning about them in school, and I don't see them really mentioned in our textbook. I'm glad I got to research them because I find it important for students to formulate and express and write about their art.

Sources:
Incredible art lessons http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/Files/Pam-Artist.htm

How to Write an Artists Statement http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=439570646&blogId=488273481#ixzz11sqfLRgq
Monthly mentor http://naea.typepad.com/naea/2010/07/how-does-writing-about-art-help-students-in-the-assessment-process.html