The Artist Statement is an essential tool that many of us struggle with. As the foundation for cover letters, grant proposals, websites, press releases, etc., it is something we must routinely update and fine-tune. I have successfully enabled emerging and experienced artists of all genres to develop and refine their Statements in both short and long form. My services have had concrete results, helping lead to solo exhibitions at major New York galleries such as Mary Boone, FEATURE, and PPOW gallery; public art commissions; and grant awards from Sundance to the Guggenheim. I find the process enriching as it often leads to a renewed commitment and sense of purpose for the people I help, reinvigorating their relationship to their practice. See Client Testimonials for more feedback.

"A poorly written statement has turned me off an artist's work. Being a literary person, I am influenced by the way people speak and write. A badly written or poorly conceived statement pushes me in the wrong direction." Edward Sozanski, art critic, Philadelphia Inquirer

My method is based on the following principles:

An effective Statement offers readers a personal connection to the artwork, building a bridge between the artist and his/her audience. The more you can relate to your viewer, the better your chances are of “selling” your work, literally or otherwise.

Ideally, an Artist Statement stands on its own, allowing readers to imagine what your work looks like even if they haven’t seen it, enticing them to see, and learn more.

It is important to revisit your Statement and update it as often as you would a resume. Just as your work, life, ideas, etc. change over time, so too should your Artist Statement. Every time you create a new body of work, find new ways of expressing yourself, or experience something new that impacts your thinking, its wise to review your Statement and see how it might better convey your current state of mind.

The effectiveness of your Artist Statement depends largely on the authority with which you write it. (Interestingly, the words "author" and "authority" come from the Latin root "augere," which means "to increase, to create, to promote," implying that notions of creation and promotion are more connected then we think!). It is a tool to explain your work the way YOU intend it to be understood, clarifying its meaning and also preventing its misinterpretation. **