Words for art – writing an artist statement with Catharine Russell and Kas Williams

Professional Practice Skills Creative writing and publishing

Ref: S1D12479

Suitable for all £145
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About this course

Discover and explore the story at the heart of your creative practice and learn how to transform it into a powerful personal statement that can become the foundation for all your written material.

Course Description

This course is programmed as one of a series of five courses aimed at practising artists and makers who are keen to move their practice onto a more professional platform.

All artists and craft practitioners know what lies behind their own work, but it can be difficult to put into words and convey meaning to the many and varied audiences. This course will allow you to explore and articulate your creative story in writing, so that it is understood by all those who read it, whether it’s the gallery owner, exhibition visitor, website reader or social media follower.

You will be encouraged to consider what’s important to you in your creative practice and how to encapsulate it in an artist statement that will become core to subsequent pieces of writing. Communication is key to conveying a personal story and you will be asked to bring with you a memory box with three items for discussion that you consider important to your life. Using this as a starting point, you will be guided in a relaxed and informal way through a series of class discussions and creative tasks, exchanging ideas about the right words to use in relation to your art. With a focus on teasing out personal stories in a safe and supportive environment, you will be able to find your inner voice and allow your stories of making to unfold. Tutor and peer feedback will nurture expression and allow an authentic style to emerge in written work.

The course includes short one-to-one sessions that will evaluate and give guidance on your current artist statement, if you have one, or offer insight if you are writing a statement anew.

This one-day course is designed to provoke enquiry and, by the end of the day, you will have a clear vision of your aims in writing an artist statement and a starting point to develop it further.

Catharine Russell is an artist and educator who has worked in journalism and public relations for over 20 years. She has a BA (Hons) Degree in ceramics. Kas Williams is a mixed media artist with a Masters Degree (Distinction) in Textiles. She has exhibited widely and runs an established creative practice from her studio on the south coast.

Timetable

Timetable for one day courses

Students should arrive by 9am for registration.

Classes are from 9.15 - 5pm

Lunch is included.

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course, the tutor will supply all of the materials, including paper, writing and drawing materials.

What students need to bring

  • A printout of your current artist statement, if you have one
  • A memory box with three items that you consider important to your life
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio; this includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Tutors

Catharine Russell

Catharine Russell is a former Fleet Street journalist with more than 20 years’ experience in local and national news organisations. She has been a journalism lecturer for more than eight years and previously worked in Arts Marketing and PR. She has a degree in ceramics from the University for the Creative Arts.

Kas Williams

Kas Williams is a mixed media artist with a Masters Degree Distinction in Textiles from UCA. She has an established creative practice rooted in traditional craft skills and exhibits widely both in the UK and internationally. She works from her studio on the south coast and is a member of ArtCan, Making Space and CraftContinuum.

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