How to Teach An Artist Statement

I would start teaching an artist statement by showing examples of art statements and explaining what an art statement is. In the book it says that kids need to look for individual styles of artists, look for the technique, and look for the importance of the features. I would help students understand this by showing them art work and have them point out what they see and what they think the artist was trying to say. On about.com it explained that an artist statement is a written statement that explains an art piece. I would also explain that the statement can be informal. I would also express that statement should build an understanding of the art work and help inform your audience of why you did what you did. On the website mollygordon.com it explained the artist statement as a recipe. I would help teach my students how to write an artist statement as if making food. For example the ingredients are the reflection you have about your art work. I would have students gather their “ingredients” by making a list of descriptive words and answering questions like:

                What do you like best about your art piece?

                What connections do you feel with your art work?

                How does your work make you feel?

                Why did you do what you did?

                How would you explain your artwork in words?

I would then make the students mix their “ingredients” and form their artist statement. I would then have the students let the “stew simmer” by leaving it and coming back to it. This can help better express what you are really trying to show. I would then have my students “taste” the statement by reading out loud to see if it flows and makes sense. I like this example; I think it would be fun to use this with my students. I think it would break down and show what an artist statement is.