Steven Hopwood-Lewis

Region: West

Creating an artist statement, a kind of clue sheet into the origins of the artist's art ideas, is a daunting task. An artist statement should help the audience get a fix on the work at hand. It should provide a boost to the viewer, to help the viewer participate in the communication between the art and the eye.

At the same time the statement should not overshadow the work itself. It should not be so restrictive as to limit the imagination of the viewer. In fact, if the art requires a statement to stimulate an adequately profound experience out of the viewer, then the art has not been sufficiently developed by the artist. So, beware the art requiring a lengthy explanation and celebrate the work that jumps out at you, grabs you by the hips and spanks your ass.

Appearances