I’m sitting here in the ‘Crowd Sourcing’ panel at VIDFEST 2008. Derek, Jasmine and Matt are doing an awesome job talking about the wisdom of crowds and community participation on the internet. It got me thinking… I’m working on an Artist Statement for an upcoming photography show and thought I’d share it and get some feedback. I’ve never written anything like this before and am quite nervous to share it so widely, but I figure my friends know me best and can probably help out. What do you think of this draft? What about the tone? Too informal? What is your reaction? HELP!!! 😉
I’ve always been drawn to the creative and visual arts, but I never developed a talent for drawing or painting (despite years of trying). In photography, I found an outlet for my yearning for creative expression. Suddenly I could capture and share some of what was going on inside my head.
I’ve had no formal education in photography, but I’ve got tremendous passion for it. I simply fell in love with it, and after a while I started to think I could do it. It took me several years and several thousand pictures before I felt comfortable calling myself a photographer. I’m still struggling with the idea of calling myself an artist, and I’m both humbled and honored to be included in such an incredible and creative group.
I’ve developed as a photographer from learning by doing – finding out what works and what doesn’t (especially what doesn’t). I find inspiration in everything and everyone around me. I’m curious by nature, but I’ve also been lucky to have been helped along the way by so many who’ve been willing to show me the ropes, answer my questions, and keep me going the right way. Many thanks to all.
I use photography to capture a tiny glimpse of what’s going on in the world as I see it. Mostly I do this for myself, but I am always pleased when something I’ve shot resonates with others. For a moment, we’re all in the same place.
Special thx to my buddy Alan for some help pulling this together! 🙂
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In my opinion, an artist’s statement can be as formal or informal as the artist is comfortable with. Depending on the subject matter it refers to, a more formal approach may be appropriate for a serious topic and vice versa. I like what you’ve posted; It’s refreshing and approachable much like your photography.
i like the story of how you came to take pictures – your curiosity, passion and discipline, it’s something that at times is lacking from artist statements sometimes, like we’re hesitant to shown we’re human.
i think what would improve it is to speak a little bit more about the story (ies) you’re trying to tell through photography. a bit of an expansion on this:
I use photography to capture a tiny glimpse of what’s going on in the world as I see it. Mostly I do this for myself, but I am always pleased when something I’ve shot resonates with others. For a moment, we’re all in the same place.
take care, and talk soon!
m
Hey Kris,
It would also be useful to have other versions as well, like versions both shorter and more extended compared to this one. That way you can ensure that you have versions prepared for a variety of scenarios, rather than having to pare down or expand on the existing one.
The statement is good, it does capture part of the Kris Krug experience. I’ve not seen you much, but you seem like a casual and approachable guy, human with uncertainty and doubt at times. Someone who explores and enjoys creating. This statement captures all of that, and that’s what I think makes a great personal statement.
Kris,
this statement is nicely developed and quite thorough. Even though, I would agree with Michele about the last paragraph. It sounds like it was an after thought and the congruity of the piece looses its flow between the two final paragraphs.
Otherwise great artist’s statement.
hey kk
i think you are off to a great start here.
about the tone, well its down the middle, slightly formal and personal.. conclusion its good for a variety of uses and places.
with that said, i have to agree with some of the above comments,
people love the human interest story, the trials, succusses, failures, all that stuff.
it think if you shared more of your personal experience, or top inspirations, it would have more of that human feeling.
expand on the journey to photography, or tell whats really in your head, or how have those thousnads of photos changed you, tuned your eye, made you see new things, tell how this passion has turned itself into something tangable …
all in all, this is great and thanks so much for sharing with all your friends .. there are alot of people out here who love you and want to see you succeed.
so take our feedbacks as encouragement and a desire to see more of the real kris krug.
Hi Mr Krug,
Learnign by doing is my philosophy too (though in other artistic directions)
I just used one of your Creative Commons licensed photos on my blog http://frunzaverde.wordpress.com
I am budding little writer and I just saw I have 100 (my blog is 1 month old)
I took a cake pic of yours for the virtual celebration.
Thank you
Stay inspired!
Eskarina
Kris, I’m trying to dig up a friend’s excellent artist’s statement to show you as an example, but in the meantime thought I’d comment (will follow up with the link later).
Your artist’s statement should be all about YOU, what motivates you to pick up the camera, what it is that you see that you are trying to capture. I find these two statements quite jarring in the context of an artist’s statement:
‘and I’m both humbled and honored to be included in such an incredible and creative group.’
‘I’ve also been lucky to have been helped along the way by so many who’ve been willing to show me the ropes, answer my questions, and keep me going the right way. Many thanks to all.’
While I appreciate what you’re saying, they’re a bit Academy Awards acceptance-speech in their tone.
Ruth… Good feedback. Thank you and let me know if you can dig up your buddy’s as reference! 😉
I know it needs some work. Maybe it’ll come to me on the beach in Thailand…
The artist in question is looking through old emails (!) to find it so I can send it to you. In the meantime though, I came across this quite wonderful resource:
http://www.mollygordon.com/resources/marketingresources/artstatemt/