How to Write Your Artist's Statement

I attended The Arts Council of Muskoka's Bio Doctor Workshop last week and The following website was homework.

http://www.mollygordon.com/resources/marketingresources/artstatemt/

If this workshop comes up again I highly suggest to those who can take it. Bring in what you have or work from this website. Either way, you will get essential writing tips and advice to improve your bio or artist statement.

Professionally edited copy:

As a third-generation cottager on Algonquin Park’s Smoke Lake and since 1988 a full time Muskoka resident, I am inspired by the region’s abundant green-scapes lush with hidden treasures for both body and mind. It is not only the imagery that lures, but the simple exquisite momentary experience of discovery.

I work primarily with pen nibs, acrylic inks and fluid acrylics on a textural multilayered fusion of manipulated papers combining extreme linear detailing. Paper is outrageously versatile. It brings to the process history, character, personality, individuality, and a remarkably wide range of performance levels. Fluid acrylics and inks allow me to alter paint consistency without sacrificing color strength; using this attribute to assist the paint’s exploration of the surface while maintaining colour intensity. As an acrylic its opacity is perfect for layering a galaxy of multi-hued lines, yet layered semi transparent washes are also achievable; a perfect partnership of mediums to satisfy the multiple media artist in me.

I am fascinated by the way these altered surfaces contribute to the process and influence the outcome. I am continually exploring the alluring intricate synergy between the surface, the paint and my own contribution; the result greater than the sum of the individual effects. I strive for each piece to establish rapport, to grasp that most basic language at work; a beautiful alignment of atoms where a natural magnetism or recognition occurs.

My current work continues with the exploration of subject compatibility to technique, of the capacity of the material to endure manipulation, of merging multifaceted mediums binding them to a common, allied interest, kissed with Muskoka roots.

Thank You T!

BEFORE the rewrite:

Third generation summer raised cottager on Smoke Lake (Algonquin Park) and full time local resident since college, I am inspired by Muskoka's abundant green-scapes lush with hidden treasures for both body and mind. It is not only the imagery that lures, but the simple exquisite momentary experience of discovery.

Working with altered surfaces, I am fascinated by the ways they contribute to the process and influence the outcome. There is a positive synergy between the surface, the paint and my specific contribution equaling a result greater than the sum of the individual effects. I strive for each piece to establish rapport, to grasp that most basic language at work; a beautiful alignment of atoms where a natural magnetism or recognition occurs.

I work primarily with pen nibs, acrylic inks and fluid acrylics on a textural multilayered fusion of manipulated papers combining extreme linear detailing. Paper is outrageously versatile. It brings to the process history, character, personality, individuality, and a remarkably wide range of performance levels. Fluid acrylics and inks allow me to alter paint consistency without sacrificing color strength; using this attribute to assist the paint’s exploration of the surface while maintaining colour intensity. As an acrylic its opacity is perfect for layering a galaxy of multi-hued lines, yet layered semi transparent washes are also achievable; a perfect partnership of mediums to satisfy the multiple media artist in me.

My current work continues with the exploration of subject compatibility to technique, of the capacity of the material to endure manipulation, of merging multifaceted mediums binding them to a common, allied interest, kissed with Muskoka roots.