Let’s be honest: most Artist Statements are difficult to read. They are often filled with complex academic jargon (sometimes called “International Art English”) that leaves the reader more confused than before.
As visual artists, we are trained to communicate through images, not words. So, when we are asked to “explain” our work, the natural instinct is often to overcomplicate it to sound more “professional.” But in reality, the most effective statements are simple, honest, and direct.
In Episode 6 of our podcast, we discussed the theory behind writing about your work. But we know that seeing is believing. 
Watch the Practical Workshop
To help you bridge the gap between theory and practice, we have created this visual guide. In this video, we move away from abstract advice and look at real text examples. We dismantle the myths of art writing and show you exactly how to craft a statement that invites the viewer in, rather than pushing them away.
Watch the full tutorial below:
What You Will Learn in This Video
In this hands-on session, we focus on the practical “Do’s and Don’ts” of art writing:
- The “What, How, Why” Formula: A simple structure to ensure you cover the essentials: What materials do you use? How do you make it? And why does it matter?
- Jargon Busting: We analyze why words like “juxtaposition,” “liminal space,” and “transcendental” are often red flags for curators if not used correctly.
- Tone Check: How to sound confident without sounding arrogant.
- Tailoring Your Text: Understanding that your statement is a living document that should change depending on the exhibition or application.
Read the Comprehensive Guide
While this video provides visual examples and editing tips, our original article offers a deep dive into the foundational strategy. It explains the crucial difference between an Artist Bio and an Artist Statement—two documents that are often confused but serve very different purposes.
If you are drafting your text from scratch, we highly recommend reading the full guide alongside watching this video.
👉 Read the Ultimate Guide to Art Writing:
Final Thoughts
Your Artist Statement is the bridge between your artwork and the audience. It shouldn’t be a wall of text that blocks their view; it should be a window that helps them see clearly. Use the examples in this video to refine your voice, remove the fluff, and write a statement that feels authentically you.
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