Notes on: How To Write an Artist Statement

Beth Evans

21/12/25

Having a good artist statement is a easy way to sell yourself as an artist. It is also something that you will get asked for over and over again. So, if you write a good one once it will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run. Here's my Artist Statement and my top tips, don't worry, I'll keep it brief!

Beth Evans, Artist Statement:

Beth Evans is a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator and writer whose practice is informed by both lived experiences and imagined realities. Centred around change, the themes of their work constantly shifts – an integral element of the fast paced, intuitive nature of their making. However, common threads include mundanity, value and identity. Inevitably, Evans’ works become portraits – conversations – between the artist and their friends. As an individual whose life is fused to their practice, this body of work analyses interpersonal connections, the concept of ‘work’ and the poetics of mundanity whilst simultaneously learning to reduce the risk of emotional burnout by instilling positive habits, like daily walks, into their practice and utilising found materials and stories not only fabrics from their own life. They write under the pseudonym 'Blaike Gillshaw'.

1. Write in the third person.

   For example: Beth Evans is a multidisciplinary artist, writer and illustrator

   
   

2. After you have said your full name once, refer to yourself by your last name for the rest of the statement.

   For example: Inevitably, Evans’ works become portraits – conversations – between the artist and their friends.

   
   

3. Show them what they can't see. In my first sentence, I told the reader what I do. I don't need to spend any more time telling them something they could see in a photo (if you are submitting an artist statement for an open call for example, they will already see your work in images submitted.) Your job now is to take the reader behind the curtain.

   
   

4. Explain what your work is about, the parts people might not see straight away. Let them behind the curtain.

   For example: Common threads include mundanity, value and identity.

   
   

5. If there is anything else you think is important, but doesn't fit with the story you have written so far, tack this onto the end.

   For example: They write under the pseudonym 'Blaike Gillshaw'.

   
   

6. Pick a simple, legible font.

   
   

7. Save a copy of your statement to your devices that you are likely to apply for open calls, art fairs or other opportunities so you can easily access it.

   
   

8. Put your statement on your website so people can easily find out about your practice, values and personality.

Template: (using they/them pronouns but feel free to insert your own) Swap out the text [in brackets] for your own content.

[your name] is an [your role i.e. film-maker, photographer and foley artist] their work explores themes of [think about the consistent themes or ideas your work is influenced by] because of [this experience i.e. growing up in the South West] their practice is informed by [this thing i.e. the duality of urban architecture and the harsh environments sea animals navigate]. [your name] is based in [this country/city] and enjoys [add something that hints at your personality here].