How to write an Artist’s Bio Statement
So I’m curating a SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) exhibit, Food for Thought. That’s not as fancy as it sounds–it means I am in charge of the paperwork. In preparation for the exhibit being at the National Quilt Museum, someone else in SAQA asked for the Artists’ Statements about their pieces and a brief bio on each. So I put together a quick email to request the latter from each of the artists (we already had the former). I was going to put my bio, but thought ugh and boring, so made one up. So here’s my ideal “short bio” for your entertainment. Please note the website, Gallery and magazine cover are fictional! (At least I hope they are, I made them up!)
Yosemite Sam
Boondocks, California, USA
YosemiteArts.com
After a career as a hunter of pesky wabbits, Yosemite Sam discovered his true calling as a mixed media artist. His life tracking wabbits and other vermin in the woods still informs his portraits of nature and choice of materials which include mud, rabbit pelts, spent cartridge shells and red plaid wool shirts. From the soft glow of dawn to the bright light of noon in the high desert to sparkling stars, Sam’s work exudes a sense of time and place.
Sam has exhibited in galleries across the West, including a one-hunter show at the innovative Sierra Spelunking Gallery inside a cave in the mountains. His break-out work, Bugs B. Renaissance, was featured on the September 2023 cover of Sunset magazine. His work has been widely published and is in public and private collections. A confirmed bachelor, he is now a confirmed vegetarian. You can find his work, blog and recipes at his website.
I believe that the fictional gallery recommends patrons arrive with flashlights and/or Petzl headlamps. ENJOY! I’ll be back with new work (class samples) soon, I hope!