Artist Statement
- This is a short statement about the work
- Written in first person
- 150-200 words
- Usually contains the how, what, and why of your work
Artist Biography
- This is a short statement about the artist
- Written in third person
- 150-200 words
- Usually focuses on your accomplishments and career as an artist
‘How to write an artist statement and bio’ was presented by Barbara McCaffrey at the November 2023 VISDA meeting.
The second artist statement and bio were written by Karen Selk for her work titled, Essential Bond for Current Threads 2024.
We encourage you to set aside several days to draft and write your artist statement and biography.
How to write an Artist Statement – prepared by Barbara McCaffrey
Artists are often required to include an artist statement for exhibitions, grants and residencies. Most times there is a word count limit. If the statement is tight, it will help a reviewer to use your words instead of misinterpreting the work.
Artists statements are written about the work you are presenting. It will change with each piece because the meaning and thoughts behind each piece are individual. There is no "one size fits all".
What it shouldn't be: 1) technical and full of jargon, 2) long and tedious explanations, 3) discourses on the materials and technique employed 4) Your life (your life story, brag fest).
Follow the basic ideas of What, How, Why
What - an introduction to your work or project should open with the basic ideas of the work in two or three sentences
How - the second paragraph should go into detail about how these ideas are presented in the work - sources of inspiration for your images
Why - overall vision of why you created the work
The final paragraph should recap most of the important points in the statement.
The benefits of writing an artist statement: It can be a good way to clarify one’s ideas about their work.
Barbara shared with us her interests of late are, identity and memory. She gave us an example of her artists statements for three separate pieces that were included in one show. Each had their own very thoughtful and succinct statement.
How to Write a Bio - Barbara McCaffrey
Barbara described a bio as a short description of your career as an artist and your major accomplishments. Usually no longer than a paragraph, basically a shorter version of your CV.
It's about you and where you base your practice and what your work investigates. Include your academic background, where you have exhibited, where your work has been published or featured. This is where you have bragging rights! - list important awards. It is usually written in the third person. eg. Sally is a mixed media fibre artists from Victoria, BC. She has exhibited in ... and her work is included in collections ...
Artist Statement - Barbara McCaffrey
I work with a variety of materials including handmade paper, felt and cloth. My interests lie in the manipulation of images, materials and process, often shifting their context to explore new and unexpected translations. I often embellish surfaces and textures to create meaningful expressions inspired by travel and relationships. Colour, shape and line enhance the surfaces of my work.
Lately the focus of my work has centered on identity and memory, specifically family and travel. “IF WALLS COULD SPEAK” directly relates to family who emigrated from Ireland in 1929. They left their farm in Ballycastle, Co. Mayo to settle in Montreal, Quebec. When my mother revisited her birthplace in the early 70’s, the farm had been turned into a circle of holiday cottages. Last summer I took a textile workshop in the same town and by sheer coincidence, was housed in that very circle of holiday cottages! How serendipitous is that!
“HIROSHIMA” a work made on my return from Japan in early 2000, left a lasting impression on me. After visiting the site, I felt compelled to offer homage by making this quiet, reflective piece.
Similarly, “DECEMBER 6, 1989” was created after the devastating killing of 14 female engineering students at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. I lived a large part of my life in that city so felt a strong connection to it. I too was a student at ACAD, and was thinking of the dashed hopes and dreams of these women; the very things important to me.
I am aware of the weight and power of memories. I strive to make the invisible, visible by the narrative I display in my work. (273 words)
Biography - Barbara McCaffrey
Barbara McCaffrey is a fibre artist from Victoria, BC. She has a
Diploma in Textiles (with distinction) as well as a BFA from the Alberta College of Art & Design in Calgary, Alberta. She has continued to develop her practice through workshops with notable international textile artists such as Dorothy Caldwell, Joan Morris and the Surface Design Association.
Her work has been shown in over fifty exhibitions in Alberta, British Columbia and the United States and has been included in private collections in the USA and Canada.
Barbara has received awards and scholarships from the Alberta College of Art & Design as well as grants for arts study and travel from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Her work was also included in the FiberArts Design Book 7, published by Lark Books. (132 words)
Artist Statement – Karen Selk
Walks with my father into the forests and growing vegetables together, nurtured an enduring bond with the plant world. These shared moments instilled a profound reverence for all flora from towering trees to delicate wildflowers, each one a perfect fusion of science, magic and beauty.
Currently my artistic journey involves coaxing vegetation to share its essence through a delicate dance of science and artistry. I capture the pigments of plants onto silk cloth, which has been treated with natural minerals and tannins. Through a process of bundling and steaming, the imprints become indelible, telling stories of the complex botanical world.
In these creations, I aim to draw attention to the intricate interplay between humanity's health and well-being and nurturing our Mother Earth. Each print serves as a tribute to the awe-inspiring diversity of plant life, emphasizing their vital role in our existence. It is a humble reminder of the need to respect and protect these living entities, for without them we would not exist. (164 words)
Artist Bio – Karen Selk
In the 1970's Karen Selk wove a scarf using silk yarn which began a journey into a rich and varied career as a textile artist, writer, educator and entrepreneur. A passion to learn about everything silk led her on a quest throughout Asia, which became her silk classroom. That first-hand knowledge gained from her travels was complemented with numerous workshops with internationally acclaimed weavers. She has shared her love of silk worldwide through workshops, lectures and the publication of many articles in textile magazines. Her 35-year fascination with the people and silk caterpillars dwelling in the wild silk forests in India has culminated in her book: In Search of Wild Silk: Exploring a Village Industry in the Jungles of India.
Over the past fifteen years, Karen's fibre focus has evolved from weaving to surface design, bringing a new dimension to her work, but always incorporating silk. She has exhibited and won awards throughout North America with her work being included in collections in the US, Canada and the Philippines. Her work is currently found in Gallery 8 on Salt Spring Island, and she actively participates in group shows facilitated by the Surface Design Association, Studio Art Quilts Associates (SAQA), Island Textile Arts and Salt Spring Island Weavers and Spinners.
Karen lives on Salt Spring Island in the Salish Sea off the coast of BC, with her husband and gardens. The serenity and natural beauty of island life inspire many hours in the studio and garden creating art, writing and growing organic food. (250 words)
Resources
RECOMMENDED READING -
How to write an artist statement Surface Design Association/American Tapestry Alliance
MORE RESOURCES RECOMMENDED by Barbara McCaffrey -
Check out cumulative index from Quilting Arts, SDA or SAQA. These will have articles on writing statements and bios.
Alyson Stanfield's book “I'd Rather be in the Studio"
Vicki Krohn Amorose's book "Art-Write"
"The Writing Guide for Visual Artists" available through Amazon and Kindle
