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Senior Exhibition: Artist's Statement

An artist's statement is a vital component of any exhibition, whether student or professional.  It offers insight into an artist's work and his or her creative process, and establishes a vital connection between the viewer and the viewed.

Travis Head, Gift, 2001 Composing

Writing an artist's statement demands that you take an honest and critical look not only at your work but at yourself as an artist. What do you have to say, and how and why are saying it?

An artist's statement should be clear, concise, and well-developed. Flowery language and extraneous banter--no matter how creative or clever--only weaken the writing and communicate scattered thinking. Treat your statement as your work--keep at it until it stands alone. Writing samples are available from the Assessment Coordinator.

Editing

The ability to write clearly and effectively is essential in any field and is no less important in studio art. Artist's statements are held to a high standard of writing in the program and must be well-written and well-developed.

C. Lillo, Untitled, 1998Major Advisor
You are strongly encouraged to work with your major advisor in developing and revising your statement. Besides proofreading and editing, he or she has first-hand experience with writing their own and can be an invaluable resource for the writing process. If you consult with your advisor, do so at least three weeks before your show opens.

Your major advisor must review your statement at least once before a final copy is submitted to Studio Art faculty and the department Chair.

Writing Center
The Writing Center offers one-on-one support for anyone seeking to improve their writing. The personal support and guidance can be instrumental in helping you to clearly communicate your ideas and complete this critical component of your assessment.

Submitting a Final Copy

Your statement should be no longer than two pages (preferably one). By the opening day of your exhibition, submit a hard copy of both your statement and a Senior Assessment cover sheet to each full-time Studio Art professor and the department Chair that includes the following: Ivy Chen, Bulb Vessel, 2000

  • "Artist's Statement"
  • "In partial fulfillment of the Senior Assessment in Studio Art"
  • Your name
  • Your major advisor
  • Your choice of senior assessment (exhibition or portfolio)
  • Date

YOUR ARTIST STATEMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED AS STRONGLY AS YOUR WORK. DO NOT DELAY IN WRITING IT OR SEEKING HELP TO REVISE IT.