Mind mapping
Visit the mind mapping page on the Learning Lab for more information about how to create a mind map..
Artist statement: the writing process
Writing an artist statement has several stages. Here you will learn how to go through the process of writing a clear and concise text.
Video: Writing an artist statement
This video explains an approach to writing an artist statement. It is based on textile design but can be easily adapted to suit other mediums. It describes the steps to identifying the key components of the statement and then shows how to write it. Specifically, it introduces the concepts of brainstorming, organising and ordering your ideas, and then the writing process. There are models and additional resources to help you draft your statement, and there is a short tutorial outlining the essentials of the artist biography.
Writing an artist statement and biography Slide description: Narration: The skills you learn in this tutorial will help you in your professional life. Where you might use these statements as a whole, or you may take parts of it to use separately. An artist statement is an important professional document that reflects on these following five questions: Slide description: Narration: To develop your artist statement, the following steps to a mind map are useful and will help you find suitable words and ideas. The first step is to brainstorm to generate ideas. Next you need to organise the ideas into categories and finally develop your ideas into a map or plan. Slide description: A mind map example. The topic ‘Me as a textile designer’ is written at the center of the page. Brainstorm ideas begin to appear around the topic. Narration: At this stage all ideas are acceptable and the aim is to get as many ideas as possible that could go towards writing about yourself as a textile designer. Slide description: Building on top of the previous example. Connections are made between certain words by using different colours. Narration: Step two involves finding connections between the ideas in relation to the five reflective questions. Colour is a useful way to distinguish connections around the different questions. Slide description: A new mind-map is created with the topic ‘Me as a textile designer’ written in the center of the page. This time, the five reflective questions are written on the page: The connections that were identified from the previous mind-map are organised into these categories. Narration: The final stage is to order the ideas into groups around the questions and create a spidergram or something similar to complete your mind map you will use this as a plan for your writing. Slide description: Narration: Now, it's time to start writing your artist statement. First, look at each category in your mind-map and identify the main theme or idea that answers each question. Complete the writing processes by then structuring your paragraphs based on the mind map. Slide description: Theme identified from these points is collaboration. Narration: Here is an example of how you would identify one main theme from each list that will become the topic sentence for each paragraph. In this case all the ideas are about working with other people and sharing ideas, so a useful word here is collaboration. This will become the topic of your paragraph. Slide description: The main themes are written under their relevant sections on the mind map. Narration: Notice how the main themes have been identified for each part of the mind map. Slide description: Start by writing a topic sentence for each paragraph. Use the themes you have identified for each question. Step 2: Now change the topic to make it stronger or more interesting. Narration: To write a topic sentence for your paragraph, start by writing a direct answer to the question, then you can rewrite the sentence to improve it. Slide description: Narration: Now you can use the rest of the information from the mind map to complete the paragraph by writing supporting sentences that explain and give examples. The TEEL structure is a very helpful framework for structuring your paragraphs and making sure that you cover everything that is important. Slide description: Visual representation of the narration: a hamburger animated in layers: Narration: The hamburger is a good metaphor for a paragraph. Notice how the bread roll which is the topic sentence at the beginning and the linking sentence at the end hold the ingredients together because without it you don't have a hamburger! Description: Using the TEEL paragraph (example): Narration: No Narration. Slide description: Narration: An artist biography is an introduction to you and a summary to your resume and approach to your work. Slide description: Narration: Your artist biography needs to be redesigned for each audience. Here are some examples of where your biography would be used. Slide description: A pyramid diagram (base at the top then narrowing down), broken down into four different sections. This is a representation of importance. Brief history Professional experience Philosophy / ethos Narration : The artist biography is structured with the most important point at the beginning, which is who the artist is and their name. Followed by a brief history experience and summary of their philosophy. Slide description: Narration: No Narration.
Slide 1: Introduction
Slide title: Introduction: Artist statement
Develop
A page with the title: Professional document: reflecting on these questions:
Slide 2: Overview
Slide title: 1. Mind mapping
A three-step process is mapped out in three blocks; in-between them are arrows pointing in the right direction. Demonstrating a step-by-step approach when developing a mind-map.
Slide 3: Brainstorm
Slide 4: Organise
Slide 5: Order
Slide 6: Overview
Slide title: The writing process
A three-step process is mapped out in three blocks; in-between them are arrows pointing in the right direction demonstrating a step-by-step approach during the writing process. The steps are:
Slide 7: Part 1 - Identify
Slide title: Using your mind-map
Look at the bigger picture of what you are trying to say and identify the overall themes or ideas.
E.g. What values or beliefs underpin your work?
Slide 8: Part 2 - Identify
Slide 9: Begin writing
For example:
Q. What beliefs and values underpin your work?
Step 1: Start by directly answering the question even if it seems predictable.
For example: I believe that collaboration is the most important thing for my work.
For example:
Slide 10: Develop your ideas
Slide title: Paragraph writing
Complete your paragraph by following the TEEL structure
TEEL STRUCTURE:
Slide 11: Begin writing
Slide 12: Begin writing
Slide 14: Introduction
Develop an artist biography with the following:
Slide 15: What is it for?
Slide 16: What is in it?
Artist name and work
Slide 17: Example: Artist biography?
Artist biography (example):
[Artist name and work] Tania Swinn is a textile designer who creates softly textured fabrics in vibrant colours. Her work features botanical inspired designs using recycled materials. [Brief history]Born and raised in Tasmania, Tania received her Bachelor in Textile Design from RMIT. [Professional history] She has exhibited widely in Australia and recently worked on projects with DESSI. [Ethos/philosophy] She is currently completing a placement with Ilke. The emphasis is on the quality of workmanship and the respect for sustainability.
Vocabulary tips
Here are some vocabulary tips to help you through your writing process.
Vocabulary 'do's
DO use active verbs
They make your text more concise and engaging. Active or Action verbs are more persuasive and easier for your reader to understand.For example: a sentence with the verb 'to do' in the active voice would be, 'I will do my shopping on Wednesday.' Instead of a passive voice, 'On Wednesday, the shopping will be done by me.'
DO use the present tense
Your statement is about what you're creating now, not your past. The present tense makes your work seem current and your writing more engaging.
DO use the first person if you want to
You don't have to write in the third person. It's OK to say "I" and "me" in your statement – it can be a more direct way of talking to your audience.
DO use language that your audience can understand.
Using clear and simple language makes your work more readable, and this is what readers prefer. You do not need to try to impress audiences with big words and complicated sentences.
Vocabulary 'don't's
DON'T use long sentences or paragraphs
Break it up into smaller parts. This will help your audience to engage with your writing and make it easier for them to follow the ideas and themes of your work.
DON'T use art speak
Try to avoid using pretentious or obscure language when discussing your work. Aim to reach the widest possible audience with your writing- including people who are not art professionals.
DON'T be dishonest
Do not brag or make false claims about your work – be honest. Do not try to inject meaning into your work that does not really exist.
DON'T use hyperbole
Avoid using overstatement such as describing your work as "a ground-breaking technique". Let the person viewing your work decide whether or not it is groundbreaking. Also, avoid clichés (overused phrases) such as "my work challenges the viewer…"
