Customer Reviews

Writing the Artist Statement

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(3)

 

 

Ariane Goodwin is to be commended for tackling the improbable and previously impossible task of aiding visual artists in breaking the fear barrier of writing the ubiquitous Artist Statement. This exceedingly well written manual has the wisdom to begin with discussing just why the artist statement is a valid tool in bringing artists of every kind to the highest professional level. Goodwin knows all too well the negative view held by most artists that "If the viewer doesn't understand my work by looking at it, then why should I have to explain it in words?" In a warm, supporting manner Goodwin proceeds to remove all the negative aura of using words to express the inner, soulful approach to art that many artists fear sharing for whatever reason. She maintains that words are the tools of language, our means of expression, and that when artists overcome the fear of putting their 'private selves' into the written word, their own windows of exploration open and they are empowered to create better art because they are able to discourse with the outside world what heretofore was the inner sanctum labelled 'creativity'. Goodwin is a fine teacher (she holds a doctorate in Human Development & Creative Behavior and teaches at Loveland Academy of Fine Arts, giving workshops for artists and even advises through her website ...and much of this book is a tightly composed course on teaching her methods of learning to write artist statements for the beginning and the seasoned artist.

But another aspect of this book that may just go unnoticed is the value of Goodwin's theories about the artist's psyche that is bound to be helpful to gallery owners, artist's representatives, and the collecting public at large. We are exposed in a most supportive way to the minds of creative people, why they find it difficult to discuss their gifts, put words to feelings and visual responses, and why they find it difficult to meet the public at Artist Receptions for their work or to answer interviewers questions for the media in all forms. This is where this 'self-help' book advances beyond a mere tool and instead becomes a thoughtful, thought-provoking treatise on Creativity. Ariane Goodwin has succeeded where few have even ventured: she anchors the bridge between the artist and the viewer without any of the pompous pitfalls of other teachers (read 'frustrated artists'). This book is bound to be an invaluable text for all art schools, liberal arts schools, artists in every field of making art, gallery owners, writers, and art collectors. Brava!

Beyond the first few pages (after the table of contents) the book takes a drastic spiral down into some awkward realm of writing akin to the Western mythology of Zen and centering your chi. There are numerous instances of pages containing one sentence, signifying some graphic designer was having happy time with Swiss design. Furthermore, the content on those blank pages is not strong enough to support the white space.

What the Author sorely overlooks is that the goal of a good artist statement is in the content - describing some of the why and the what - and distilling it into its essence through brevity. A good artist statement is not about breathing exercises and finding a quiet place wherein to perform the act of writing an artist statement (which a sizable chunk of the latter half of the book seems to dwell on).

For those considering purchasing the book, your time, money, and energy are better spent trying to pound a nail in the floor with your forehead.

From the beginning to the end I found "Writing the Artist Statement" easy to follow, inspirational, informative,and understanding.
With Arianes' encouragement, all along the way, I was able to get through the sticky parts of writing an artist statement. Now the reader can easily flow through the words and understand what I do, how I do it and most importantly why I do it.

This book really helped me and got me the think about my work and writing about my work differently. You have to trust the author and just go though the silly exercises though...almost like taking a class. For the price...this book is a no brainer if you are serious about your art career.

Goodwin has given artists a goldmine. Not only does this book finally explain exactly what an aritst statement is, it also showed me how much an aritst statement can do for me. If you've ever struggled with writing an artist's statement, the exercises in this book will pull you right through to the end. And best of all, the book saved me a lot of time because it is concise without missing a beat. Who wants to read a zillion words when the author knows how to use the right ten words to tell you what you need to know?

If you're ready to be serious about crafting statements you'll be comfortable with, if you're ready to be eased out of acute self-criticism and settle into a few writing exercises (again), if you are bored with your developed sensibility toward sarcasm and tom-foolery, this book may be very helpful to you. I know the author takes writing seriously, as in recongzing that writing is built up by applying layers of words that are built-up like brush strokes, but this is only my interpretation of what I think is her genius is presenting this material. It doesn't come off in any-way other than extremely helpful. and that's what counts. This thing is the real deal. Good luck and enjoy your results.

Too little content that is useful. This book is mostly about giving the writer a pep talk to actually write the artist statement. The first few pages are the best part, the rest could be cut.

Do you really need an artist's statement? Some would argue (and I've been there) that one's work should stand on its own and besides, don't most artist's staements turn you off? Ariane Goodwin explains not only the several unexpected reasons you might need one, but also the how - what actually goes into one, and what should not be included...It's not all about psuedo-intellectual pretentious writing that no one can understand.

Ariane not only understands the artist, but also writing. Along with information about the what and why, she supplies the reader with creative excercises that can be applied to any type of writing. And despite what your preconceived notions about the excercises are, do them! Presented in a logical order, they get you to where you need to go quickly and effectively. I was astounded by the results.

The book's format and design is a pleasure, one liner pages and all, making the information all the more accessible and non-threatening. Loved this book, and the first draft of my artist's statement to boot. Recommend highly!

One of the most helpful books about writing that I have read. The exercises are well thought out and effective. The writing is engaging and really gets me excited about writing my artist's statement.

The book arrived earlier than I had expected, and in perfect condition. I am very satisfied with the service, and of course, the book is great, one of the best writtenn and most useful books I have ever read in this field.