Art Matters
Artistic practice is a continuous journey that weaves together creative exploration, skill mastery, intellectual inquiry, and professional growth. Beyond the act of making, being an artist means navigating a complex ecosystem where creativity and professional development go hand in hand.
This blog is a space for sharing insights, tools, reflections, and provocations that support and challenge artists in their practice. Topics range from the philosophical foundations of art and research to practical strategies for building a portfolio, writing an artist statement, and understanding the economics of the art world.
Art can inspire, challenge, and transform not just those who experience it but also those who create it. Success in art is not only about talent but also about cultivating a balance between passion and critical inquiry, approaching both practice and profession with intention. Art matters not just as a discipline but as a way of life.
Writing Your Artist Statement(s)
Through this outline, I want to guide you in crafting impactful statements and understanding the profound core they should be rooted in—your manifesto. Think of your manifesto as the "heart-text," the wellspring of your creative philosophy, from which every statement you write can flow. Your manifesto is the soil from which all your artist statements will grow. The manifesto is profound and reflects the heart and intellectualization of your practice, while the statement is the bridge that connects your audience to your work. Writing an artist statement is not just about describing your art—it is about inviting others to see the world through your eyes and feel the questions and impulses guiding you. Let your words carry the same energy as your art, creating a resonance long after being read.
Writing Your Manifesto
Creating a manifesto as a contemporary artist is a bold declaration of your vision, principles, and challenges to the status quo. Drawing on the revolutionary spirits of Dada, Surrealism, Futurism, Fluxus, and Situationism, this guideline will help you craft a manifesto that captures your unique voice while engaging with these influential traditions. Writing your manifesto is an act of self-definition and public declaration. It reflects where you stand now and the projects you intend to pursue. Let it be as fluid and evolving as your practice, your manifesto should always be revisited as your vision and your practice transforms.
Art World Glossary
This glossary is a starting point for visual artists navigating the complex world of art, institutions, and commerce. Understanding the structures, systems, and essential functions within the art world is crucial for transforming from an economic problem-solver to an opportunity creator; indeed, you can further your knowledge by expanding these definitions through research. These terms provide the foundational knowledge necessary for deciphering the intricacies of your professional journey as an artist. This glossary will serve as initial guidance and a point of departure as you deepen your understanding, enhance your strategic foresight, and engage more effectively with economic elements of exhibition planning and design, to name a few.