JUDGES FOR 2008 SHOW AND COMPETITION FOCUS ON FIBRE ART ASSOCIATION Elinor Burwash (fibre artist) Margie Davidson (fibre artist) Mary Sustrik (fibre artist) Writing an Artist Statement by Jeff Collins originaly in Alberta Craft Magazine reprinted with permission from Alberta Craft Council Most people find it relatively simple to write a resume and bio, but an artist statement is often more challenging.  In an artist statement length usually has nothing to do with the quality of its content.  It attempts to answer the question: why did this person make this thing? Here are some points to think about when putting your artist statement together: 1. Talk about your work itself.  Explain about the materials you use and why you choose to use them, their features, recycled, rare or collected, local or exotic, etc.  The skills and techniques you have mastered in order to make your work, unique techniques, length of learning curve, who taught you, etc. 2. Talk about your inspiration.  Where do you get your image source and what attracts you to it?  Is it traditional or contemporary or a combination of the two? After you answer these questions start to think about the purpose of your artist statement - to provide insight into why you make the things you do, what challenges you to continue making them, and what you hope to accomplish by making the things you do.  Write it as if you are having a conversation with a friend who wants to know about your work.       Guideline for entries into the Cloth Dolls category All entries must have cloth heads filled with stuffing only - no hard surfaces such as Styrofoam, paper clay or polymer clay.  Faces may be needle sculpted, embroidered, or painted on fabric. All dolls and props to be firmly attached to their bases NO LOOSE ITEMS ALLOWED. ABSTRACT - in this category the human form maybe merely suggested or severely exaggerated.  Some body parts may be extremely simplified, or left out completely.  The emphasis here is on design and surface embellishment. REPRESENTATIONAL - the category represents a human life figure, in any style - caricature, fantasy or realistic.