Art-Write: The Writing Guide for Visual Artists

Wow. I can't believe my fortune coming across this book. It's SO helpful. I consider myself a decent writer but I was really stumped trying to write an artist statement and bio. I'm what's called a "returning artist", ie getting back to art in retirement. I don't know what my art is about; I'm just starting to explore again. And I've always had the opinion that writing about art is futile since art is by nature word-less. But with the help of this book I have a draft for both my statement and bio that look pretty darn good to me, and most of all honest. I was able to zero in on what makes my work different, what's most important to me. I found words for the word-less!!! Now I'll go back and do the exercises presented and see how I might polish what I've written. Then I'll be contacting the author through her website for editorial review since I don't really know anyone qualified to review my writing other than my husband who's very smart but a scientist.The book is primarily on writing the all important artist statement. It literally saved me embarrassment by clearly saying "don't do this" about at least two things I was planning to do! It keeps you focused on what's important and how to present it covering details of writing many people get stuck on such as: Is it a problem if I write 'I' too many times? It even includes exercises to get you writing freely and uncovering the nuggets you need. It also includes beginning phrases and words that can be co-opted. It lightly touches on the artist resume and bio. The page on writing a bio was enough guidance to get me on the right path. In fact after reading it, mine came together very quickly just from having more confidence in what it can include and the purpose of it. I had been really struggling with a bio of my meandering life but then voila, it was done in one paragraph, or at least ready for further honing. The book goes deeper into other forms of writing: press releases, writing for grants, writing to galleries, etc. I hope these will be needed soon! If so, I know right where to go.This is an essential guide for artists in my humble opinion. I know I'll return to it many times.

Practical, work book format to develop your Artist Statement & practical advice on how to write about your art. One of the most useful books about this I have read! Highly recommended!

Vicki has done a wonderful job in writing this book in at least two ways. My mother was an English teacher but bless her heart, i could not grasp a thing she tried teaching me about pronouns, participles and paraphrases. I tried two different college courses in English Comp and failed both. Many years later just when the student is ready, wa-lah....Vicks' book shows up and wow...did things start to click and make all kinds of sense! It is amazing how she was able to boil all those 'ugly' little rules that helps us talk down into an easy to read format, focused directly towards the creative mind.So, not only was she able to demystify the English language, but she was able to do it with clarity for those of us that have always had trouble grasping the finer points of writing.And amazing as all that seems (to me at least), the way she helps the artist gain an understanding of their own work is a gift!After completing the exercises, i believe i will not only have the ability to write about my work so that others may understand it, but i will be able to communicate better and sound more intelligent in other areas of my life as well.Thank you Vicki

I got this book because I wanted to be able to market my creations better. I need to write blurbs about my creations for applications for juried shows and also for my online presence. What the author did for me what actually to help me focus my thinking about what I actually do, which was something I hadn't thought about. By focusing my thought, I'm actually focusing my end product, and I feel like I'm heading in a direction finally. The author gives clear step-by-step instructions on how to write about your art, plus prompts and ideas to help you get the words going. There were plenty of types of writings that seems irrelevant to what I need at this time, but what I got out of this book is so much more useful than any other type of marketing book I've read thus far. It's practical in a way that many authors just never get around to fulfilling.

I had spent hours trying to emulate other people's artist statements. After reading this little book I have rewritten mine, as well as other documents. and like them much better now.This easy to read book is about communication (What a concept!) : what you write should be a BRIDGE between YOUR ART and the PUBLIC. This may sound simplistic, but in fact, lots of Artists statements are pompous monuments and do not explain clearly why you really do Art, and above all why the public should be interested in you and like your Art, and buy it. You need to EXPLAIN, in simple short sentences, what you are doing !for 10 bucks, you'll get an excellent How To book, don't hesitate, it is worth every penny !

As a Language Arts and Art teacher, I have found this book valuable. While teaching the writing process I have often referred to Part One: Develop Your Artist Statement, which has excellent prompts, word lists, sentence structures and general rules on good writing. In my art class these same sections help my students reflect on and write about their own art. I appreciate that this book can be used in a variety of teaching situations and have helped my students recognize the connections between themselves, their art, the audience and the power of the written word.

I didn't find much value in this.

I had to buy it for class. It was okay when I read parts of it. But came cleaned and nothing other than the book itself !

Great book for artists

This book is life-changing. Vicki has this rare gift to fill the reader with enthusiasm and in the end making them start writing about their art with confidence. In a very nice way she directs you to what to obey and points out what is essential. Vicki covers all the artwrite-topics you will come across in your art career. If you’re just looking for copycat-stuff you probably better look somewhere else. But if you seriously want to learn how to honestly voice your beliefs as an artist this is THE only book you will ever need! Thumbs up - highly recommended!

The content is simple to follow and direct to the point, you don't waste your time. This book helps you to organize your thoughts when you can't really articulate what you want to say.

I just wanna say thanks to the auhor. She deserves more than 5 star...

C' est un livre pratique et je remercie l'auteur parce que ses recommandations et conseils ont contribués à augmenter ma visibilité er ma popularité sur le marché