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Painters, illustrators and other artists of all ilks create a two- to five-paragraph statement that introduces people to their work and, by extension, who they are. It’s displayed in galleries, so visitors can get a sense of the artist while taking in his or her work. It answers some of those questions that arise when you’re staring, head slightly tilted, at bunch of splattery, Pollack-esque paintings and wondering compelled the artist to create it.
And we think this idea should exist for everyone, everywhere. No matter how practical you are, you create art. Whether it’s with lines of code, answering a symphony of ringing phones, scheduling appointments like you’re the new high-scorer in Tetris, there’s an art to what you do, and it’s time to acknowledge it. An artist’s statement welcomes people to your work, writes Lisa Congdon in Art, Inc., and your own artist’s statement welcomes you to the art in your work.
Take 10 minutes today to create your own artist statement. Answer these questions with whatever comes to mind: It can weave in elements of your day job, it can be focused on a side project you’re passionate about — whatever feels right to you. In the end, this doesn’t have to be displayed on a wall anywhere. You’re just creating a framework to remind yourself of who you are and what you’re working toward (or hope to be working toward).
The Artist’s Statement
- What materials do you use to create art in your day-to-day life?
- What’s your process for creating your art (AKA your work) each day?
- What inspires your work?
- What does your work represent to you?
- What message is your work sending to the world?
Don’t pause to edit a word. Just jot down whatever comes to mind, and follow where that goes. Did anything surprise you? Any insights you’d never expect?
You can read more about creating and running your own business as an artist in Art, Inc. by Lisa Congdon.
This post is part of Life Between Weekends’ Tuesday Takeaway series. Every Tuesday, we’ll share the most compelling insight we’ve gleaned from a book, movie, tour, documentary or article to inspire you during the workday.
Photo: Ramiro /Unsplash
