Bios & Artist Statements

Bios and artist statements are required at various stages of a creative practice. Often needed for exhibitions and applications, they offer insight into who you are.

It is important to remember that bios (biographies) and artist statements are different texts, with different purposes. A bio is about you, whilst an artist statement speaks to the artwork and why you create.  When writing a bio or artist statement, tailor the information for its intended use – is this for promotional material, are you writing for an exhibition text, is this a funding application requirement?

BIOS

What is a bio?
A bio provides a brief overview of your background, career highlights and achievements. Written in third person, bios are formal and concise. A bio is like an abridged CV written in prose and is generally around 100-200 words.

Writing a bio
Bios begin with your full name and 1-3 sentences that set out the conceptual or creative terrain of your work, mediums, techniques or influences. Artists may also state their year of birth and where they are currently based locationally. Following the initial introduction, it is common practice to refer to yourself via your last name.

Include an overview of your qualifications/education, exhibitions, residencies, awards and commissions etc. If you are an emerging artist, list what is applicable. If you are a mid-career or established artist, be selective and include only key or relevant highlights.

Example
[FIRST LASTNAME] is a visual artist based in Adelaide, on unceded Kaurna land. Through the medium of glass blowing, their practice explores the tensions between control, improvisation and repetition. After completing a Bachelor of Fine Art at [UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE NAME] in 2017, they undertook the [INSERT RESIDENCY NAME] in Milan, Italy. [LASTNAME] has exhibited widely throughout Australia and Europe, at spaces such as [GALLERY, LOCATION, YEAR], [GALLERY, LOCATION, YEAR], [GALLERY, LOCATION, YEAR] and [GALLERY, LOCATION, YEAR]. In 2020, they were the recipient of the [INSERT PRIZE NAME], an acquisitive prize by the [GALLERY, LOCATION]. [LASTNAME’s] work is held in public and private collections across Australia, Europe and North America.

TIP
Need a place to start? Search for your favourite artists online and find out how they talk about themselves and their practice. If you are just getting started or have no formal training, tailor the bio to your current circumstances. Bios are for everyone, at any stage of career.

ARTIST STATEMENT

What is an artist statement?
An artist statement is an introduction to your work. It is an overview, written in prose, of your practice or a specific body of work. Artist statements should discuss the influences that inform your work and the rationale behind why it was created. Your artist statement is an opportunity to convey the meaning behind your work and the choices you have made in its creation.

Writing an artist statement
Artist statements are often no longer than half a page, though sometimes 80 – 100 words will be adequate. It should express enough to inform the reader without being verbose. If the artist statement is being included in an application, be conscious of and abide by word or character counts.

Your statement isn’t there to answer all questions and should add to the work’s intrigue, leaving viewers the opportunity to arrive at their own conclusions.

Editing
Invite people from both arts and non-arts backgrounds to read your statement and ask for feedback on its clarity and content. It is important to consider the potential readership of your statement and the accessibility of what it’s trying to communicate.

TIPS

• As you would with a CV, keep your bio and artist statement up to date.
• Write clearly and factually, and let your experience speak for itself. Avoid jargon and art-speak that may undermine your expertise in the minds of readers.
• Write versions with varied word counts – 50, 100, 200 words. Having a selection on file will expedite applications when different formats are required, or for promotional material.

Guildhouse Community and Accredited members are eligible for Advice Bank sessions. Discuss a range of topics with Guildhouse’s experienced art professionals, including; grant funding applications, professional documentation, marketing, communications, artist opportunities and more. Contact us for more information.