artists statement

["John Halter" <halter@zzzzzzzzzz>]

Hello Gary,

I like your line that starts off with "It is the multi-dimensional nature of
stone...".  I would consider putting this line as the first line in your
statement.  I think it draws the reader in.   I'm much more of a business
person than an artist (which is my hobby), so from this perspective, I would
recommend a selling process should stress what the customer will receive,
why the creation will be important to them, or how it will make them feel.
I believe many of the artist statements are focused on the artist and not
the customer (and yes I know it is called an artist statement but who is it
written for - who is the audience?).  For example, I don't care what the
motivation was behind the person who designed my car, what I do care about
is how it makes me feel to drive it.  I realize people are interested in an
artist's motivation, but really they are interested in how this motivation
affects them.  I think artist statements could reach a better balance in
addressing the customer's motivations for being attracted to the work.

I would also try writing your statement in the third person (which would
require the title of "about the artist" instead of "artist statement") and
see which one you like best.  It might have more power if it reads as if
someone else wrote it about you.  You might also want to try to speak
directly to your customer.  For example: change the line to "that can be
displayed in - your -  home or office".  Your intimacy concept is great, but
what if you were to talk about the intimacy your customer will develop with
the art through touching and living with the sculpture.  Or ask yourself,
why does my customer care if my details are "suggestive rather than
explicit?"  Does this allow them to interpet the work more freely or more
personally?  You might want to invite them to your web site rather than just
stating you have one.

Gary, if I remember correctly you are a scientist and therefore, as I would
expect, I believe you have done a good job in putting forth the facts.  I
would suggest you stretch some to reach the emotional attraction of a buyer.
I hope these ideas help.  I know there are others on the list who are much
more experienced in selling art than I am.  As I stated, my ideas are more
based on basic business selling and marketing principals.

Good luck,
John Halter
halter@----------