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Post by Shepherdess on Nov 12, 2012 20:03:48 GMT
Ruth did an interesting post about artists statements to day on the blog. feltingandfiberstudio.com/I don't have an artists statement but I had to do a biography for a jurried show entry. I thought I would post it it to see what people thought. I don't like the line about dying. It needs to be reworked and I am not sure if it need a conclusion paragraph. Ann McElroy is a fibre artist who lives on a working sheep farm with her extended family. She displays her work at the North Gower Farmers Market where she is currently Vendor Coordinator, as well as several other shows throughout the year.
Ann has been felting for more than 10 years and enjoys sharing the pleasures of felting with other people. She is an active participant with the Ottawa Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild, demonstrating felting and spinning at shows and fairs around the community. She gives classes on the various forms of felting through the Guild as well as privately.
From hats to scarves, birdhouses to flowers and everything in between, Ann enjoys all types of felting. Her favorite form is Nuno felt, a new technique for combining fine wool and fine silk to form a new fabric that is soft and drapable. Wool and silk are transformed into Ann’s personal creations by dyeing them herself in her workshop.
Ann loves to learn and has taken classes from internationally known teachers, Maggie Glossop, Chad Alice Hagen, Sharon Costello and Maureen Harding, learning many styles and techniques. Through the internet, books and interaction with other artists she is constantly expanding her knowledge. She is currently collaborating with 3 other artists on a blog to share information about felting and related arts, (Felt and Fiber Studio. feltingandfiberstudio.com/) and an interactive forum where people can share and learn (http://feltandfiberstudio.proboards.com).Why not share your statement or biography.
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Post by jufergu on Nov 12, 2012 21:07:05 GMT
When I began to rework and condense my statement, I went through it and drew a line through every pronoun. Got rid of the she and hers. Tried to state facts without the pronouns. It was a lot more effective. That is where I started, at any rate. Then I took out every sentence that was repetitive. I looked up alternative words for things (like sheep) or Painting in my case. I just kept condensing it down to the bare minimum.
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Post by koffipot on Nov 12, 2012 21:57:00 GMT
Did you have much left Judy? Seriously, it sounds like a good idea, people want something very succinct.
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Post by MTRuth on Nov 12, 2012 23:48:30 GMT
Here's my artist statement. I wrote it several years ago and I'll probably re-write it soon.
When I discovered felting, I finally found the creative outlet for which I had been searching. As a self taught fiber artist, the versatility of fiber allows me to “play” with a wide variety of materials including wool, silk, fabrics, yarns and threads. Creating one of a kind fiber art pieces to share with the world fulfills my creative passion.
One technique that I especially enjoy is the ancient technique of felt making. Traditionally to make felt, raw or dyed wool was dampened with soapy water and agitated (usually by stomping or rolling) to “felt” the wool. I use this traditional method of wet felting as well as dry felting with needles, either by hand or machine. I then embellish the felt with free motion machine embroidery, hand stitching and other techniques to develop a unique design.
As I continue my journey into fiber art, I am learning to look at the world more clearly and closely. I am inspired by the beauty of the natural world, be it an “ordinary” piece of grass, a tiny bit of lichen or the gorgeous Montana landscapes. When you look at my work, I want you to be drawn into the layers and details of the rich, textural surface and to “feel” the joy of its creation.
Ann - your biography sounds good to me. I think the dyeing line is fine.
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Post by Shepherdess on Nov 13, 2012 1:37:41 GMT
The one I submitted had another paragraph that was more directed to the particular show. They had said they wanted a biography no more than 2 pages. Mine at the time was one paragraph so I fluffed it up thinking it was a bit short if they were expecting 2 pages.
Thanks for the advice Judy Ruth yours sounds like what you talk about on the blog and here. I think you might add is about learning and sharing . you seem to like taking classes and learning form everyone but also sharing your passion and knowledge.
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Post by MTRuth on Nov 13, 2012 17:17:24 GMT
Good idea Ann - I wasn't teaching at all when I wrote this so that would be a good addition.
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Post by jufergu on Nov 14, 2012 1:02:51 GMT
I am used to working with limits on the space that they allow. If I don't keep things short, they edit my statement. I think it is good to have both a biography and an artist's statement. I have even started making statements for my art pieces. You have to sometimes describe your process in 100 words or less. I have a whole file of these.
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Post by zed on Nov 14, 2012 10:05:07 GMT
Ruth's and Ann's are both really good. I like Ann's suggestions for Ruth. I don't have an artist's statement or biography, my flickr profile just says: I like colours, and putting them together. Sometimes, I even make things that aren't blue.
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Post by MTRuth on Nov 14, 2012 17:34:51 GMT
That's a start Zed!! And it is short and sweet ;D
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Post by Karen on Nov 15, 2012 6:00:50 GMT
lol zed i'd be more inclined to say i just love mucking around with wool lol
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Post by zed on Nov 15, 2012 8:54:57 GMT
Heh
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Post by teriann on Nov 16, 2012 21:35:22 GMT
These are great statements. I don't have one at all. I can't seem to write anything lately.
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Post by Shepherdess on Nov 16, 2012 21:59:21 GMT
Follow Ruthe's steps on the blog. its a good way to start. Then get a friend to help. It is easier to think up great and interesting things with someone else.....and a glass or 2 of wine.
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Post by janekiwi on Jan 24, 2013 11:08:51 GMT
I really have trouble with this, I know Ruth's steps on the blog are very sound good advice, found more advice here ---- www.artbusiness.com/artstate.htm but I still find it really hard. this is what I have on our site "felt" that is sort of the same as your esty Welcome and Hello, I always have some sort of craft project on the go, always have done and I am sure always will, I like learning new crafts and expanding on the skills I already have, meeting and sharing with other like minded crafters would have to be near the top of my favorite things to do. Some of the other things I am passionate about are, family, friends, laughter, dog walking, beach combing, second-hand shopping, hand-making, using less, giving more, natural fibers and fabrics, especially wool in any form, wire-work, vintage collections, colour, texture, form and function, all of these and more play a part in my creative process. I enjoy making unique gifts and presents for friends and family, and with the encouragement of said friends and family have decided to give selling on-line a go. I have long been a fan of browsing through all the gorgeous tempting creations on the Felt web site, I am pleased to add my creations to the wonderful things here. I hope you like what you see and feel free to ask questions or leave comments. I am more than happy to sell to overseas buyers, postage would be extra, so let me know where you are in the world, and I will work out how much it would cost, also if you are here and NZ and would like your item couriered then please just let me know.
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Post by zed on Jan 24, 2013 11:47:35 GMT
I like it because it gives insight into who you are, and what inspires you and feels friendly and not stuffy or like you're up yourself. The only thing I'd suggest changing is 'with the encouragement of said friends and family have decided to give selling on-line a go'
it sounds a bit 'casual' and 'hobbyist', but you're work is far from that, it is well made and professional and your wire work is stunning and unique and what I'd expect to see in an expensive gallery. Maybe just change it simply to something like 'and have been encouraged to take the next step and offer my work for sale'
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