Crafting an Artwork Statement for Your Ornaments: Why It Matters

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What Is an Artwork Statement?

An artwork statement is a written description by an artist that explains the meaning, ideas, and intentions behind their work. It’s like a little window into the artist's mind, giving viewers context and helping them connect with the artwork on a deeper level.

An artwork statement often includes:

  • Themes and inspirations: What main ideas or subjects does the artist explore?

  • Artistic process: How is the artwork created? What techniques and materials were used?

  • Social or political commentary: Does the piece touch on current issues or societal concerns?

  • Personal significance: How do the artist's life experiences influence their art?

Think about your last trip to an art museum or gallery. You probably saw small placards next to the artwork with brief descriptions. Those are artwork statements (sometimes written by the artist, sometimes by the curator). They're there to enrich your experience and understanding of the piece!

Of course, your work won’t always have all four points above. Often there won’t be any social or political commentary to speak of, but your choice of colors, patterns, fabric type, and embellishments used will all evoke feelings or have some cultural significance. These are the ideas you should talk about in your artwork statement.

Why does it matter?

If you're reading this, chances are you create ornaments—which makes you an Ornament Artist! Whether you sell your creations or craft them as a hobby, each ornament you make is a unique work of art.

If you sell your ornaments online, you're already writing artwork statements every time you craft a product description. And if you create ornaments as a hobby, you likely share photos of your work on social media—maybe in a group like Ornament Friends. Those captions you write to explain your photos? Yep, those are artwork statements too!

In both cases, a well-written artwork statement can make a big difference. It helps you connect with your audience, showcase your creativity, and share the story behind your ornaments. Whether you're selling or sharing, it's worth the effort!

Tips for Writing Yours

In the podcast Adventures in Arting (Episode 163: "Artwork Statements Aren't Easy—Here Are Some Tips"), Julie Fei-Fan Balzer suggests jotting down your thoughts about a piece as soon as you finish it. This doesn’t have to be polished—think of it as part of cataloging your work. Later, you can refine these notes into a polished statement when needed.

Julie highlights four common formats for artwork statements:

  • 300 words: Perfect for portfolios, websites, blogs, and sales pages.

  • 150 words: Ideal for competition or show entries.

  • 75 words: Used in exhibits or exhibit catalogs.

  • 1 sentence: Short and sweet for quick descriptions.

Want to dive deeper? Check out the full podcast episode here. Julie explains why artwork statements are an important part of any art practice, whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist. It’s well worth a listen!

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