gRAPHICaNATOMY

When a viewer /buyer asks about the artist (you), what should the gallery tell them?
THAT is the point of an artists bio.

It provides the human connection to potential buyers. A window into your world.
The biography sets out where the artist is from, the educational background, exhibitions, affiliations, awards, and so on. It can include why you make art and what it's about; but most of that should be left for the artist's statement. A bio should be short and concise, with enough information to make you interesting. It's not an autobiography of your WHOLE life; but what is relevant to the art you make.

Start by answering these questions:
Who are you?
What is your work about? Or what would you tell someone who had never seen your work?
What is distinct about your style and/or approach?
What drives you? Why did you start making art?
Why did you choose this art form? Why these materials?
How did you learn to do this? Mention any schools or degrees.
Have you won any awards? Any career highlights?
Where is your studio?


Take those answers and assemble them as such:
1st paragraph: Intro sentence and some identity branding
2nd paragraph: the immediate purpose of the bio. What is going on right now. Your current activities.
3rd paragraph: Your past experience, career path and how you got to here.
Ending: Wrap it up. Use a quote if you like.


Use proper grammar and spelling. Keep it organized. Have it proofread by a smart person.
Avoid cliches and hyperbole. Try to sound like … you are just being yourself.
If your still stuck look up the bios of other professional artists for examples.
Keep copies for future use.

Traditionally a bio is written a third person voice, but if you are going to record your own bio on video stick to first person.

you can see the whole show... including my 3 pieces... and some of the other artists & patrons here:

137 new children's books arrived today at the Moss library (Norway), courtesy of the 260 artists participating in the #twitterartexhibit :)

Bid on this brand new piece by Sam Thorp;

Art Auction at the Sugar factory, April 8th. Find out more and get tickets here:
http://www.graphicanatomy.com/#sugar

Labels: art pgh

Lawrenceville: Pittsburgh, PA March 20, 2010- Pittsburgh Art Community Prepares for Battle

This is it, the ONLY live visual artist competition in Pittsburgh. Created by Ryan Graham and inspired by other art battles, world wide. Four local artists have four hours to complete a painting from a blank 3 x5' canvas. The crowd watches and the crowd votes for the winner.

Artists may use whatever mediums they like and the winner will be chosen by a rotating panel of judges along with the crowd at the end of the evening. One winner will be chosen every battle and will receive a $500 cash prize along with having the option of returning each month to defend their title. All non-winning artwork will be available to purchase but will be displayed for at least one month.

The next Art of Battle is at Belvedere's 4016 Butler Street, Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville), PA 15201. On March 20th, the doors open at 7pm the painting begins at 8pm and voting is at Midnight. $5 admission and its 21 and older, so please bring your ID.

Artists competing this month is returning champion, Sam Thorp against new challengers: Terrell Lewis, Noir LeBlanc and Ryan Dunkerly. Come out and check out this unique event.

More info can be found at:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Art-of-Battle-412/