128. Crafting Your Artist Statement: A Comprehensive Guide - Martine Severin
Release Date: 04/11/2025
152. The Craft of Seeing: A Lifetime of Documenting Our Stories - Roy Lewis
This is How We Create
Have you ever considered that the most profound creative education might not happen in a classroom? What if it unfolds in the buzz of a print shop or behind the lens at a world-changing cultural event? In this episode, I sit down with legendary photographer Roy Lewis, whose journey is a powerful testament to learning by doing. Roy shares how his early days in a Mississippi print shop ignited his creative spark, leading to an unconventional path where Ebony and Jet magazines became his university. He offers a firsthand account of documenting FESTAC '77, the monumental gathering of Black artists...
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151. The Art of Slowing Down in the Kitchen - Murielle Banackissa
This is How We Create
Have you ever wondered how to turn a lifelong passion for food into a celebrated career? In this episode, I sit down with the wonderfully creative food photographer, stylist, and cookbook author, Murielle Banackissa. Murielle shares the story of her creative journey, from her childhood memories in the Republic of Congo to her family's move to Montreal. Join us as we explore how Murielle masterfully blends her Congolese and Russian-Ukrainian heritage into mouth-watering vegan recipes that might just have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about vegan food. We'll dig into how...
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150. How to Write Your Happy Ending: The Power of a Personal Quarterly Review - Martine Severin
This is How We Create
Have you ever wished you could write your happy ending? In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on a personal practice that has been a game-changer for me over the last decade: the quarterly review. I share how a simple, strategic process, born from my days in program management, can help you track your progress and design a life and career that lights you up. If you're ready to move from simply having goals to living them, this one's for you. Chapters 00:00 A Look Back: On Growth 02:50 You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Be Valuable 05:22 The Power of a...
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149. From Side Hustle to Mastering a Signature Style - Mark Clennon
This is How We Create
How do you find the courage to leave a stable career and chase a creative dream? In this episode, I sit down with the incredible photographer Mark Clennon, who did exactly that. Mark shares the real story of his leap from a 9-to-5 into the world of full-time commercial photography. We talk about the initial struggles, the community's pivotal role in his journey, and how he built a new life and career after moving to Los Angeles. I’m excited for you to listen to this conversation. I wish I had had this episode when I first started out as a commercial photographer. Mark shares the...
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148. Capturing a Universe of Black Creativity: The Story of FESTAC '77 - Martine Severin
This is How We Create
Step back in time with me to 1977, to a cultural event so monumental it was dubbed the "Black World's Fair." In this episode, we journey to Lagos, Nigeria, for FESTAC '77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture. What made this month-long celebration a landmark of Black pride and unity, and why does its legacy still echo nearly fifty years later? I'll share insights from my conversation with Roy Lewis, the official photographer for the North American zone, who was there to capture it all. Join me as we explore the story of this incredible gathering of artists,...
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147. Unlocking Your Writing Potential: The Role of Early Creative Experiences - Sophia Stewart
This is How We Create
What happens when a child prodigy channels divine inspiration into groundbreaking storytelling? I sit down with Sophia Stewart, a prolific writer who began writing professionally at just 11 years old. From navigating the complex world of what it means to own your work, Sophia shares powerful insights about trusting your creative vision and the role of faith in artistic success. We explore the importance of how spiritual guidance shapes artistic decisions and what it takes to stand firm in your creative truth. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own artistic journey or curious about the...
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146. Must-Read Summer Books by Black Women - Martine Severin
This is How We Create
Are you searching for stories that feed your creative spirit? In this solo episode, I share four incredible books by women of color essential to your summer reading list. These books feature narratives of immigration, identity, and magical realism. These reads have resonated deeply with me. I hope they may fuel your artistic journey. Join me as we explore these powerful voices in contemporary literature that promise to transport, challenge, and inspire you long after turning the last page. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Creative Voices 00:28 Essential Summer Reads by Artists...
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145. The Hip-Hop Glassblower: Reimagining Traditional Techniques for Contemporary Expression - Leo Tecosky
This is How We Create
What happens when hip-hop methodology meets ancient glassblowing traditions? In this captivating conversation, I sit down with Leo Tecosky, a glass artist who's redefining what it means to honor craft traditions while pushing creative boundaries. From his childhood memories of watching a goldsmith neighbor work to discovering the mesmerizing world of molten glass in art school, Leo shares how early exposure to hip-hop culture became the driving force behind his unique approach to fine art. We explore how travel, cultural investigation, and an insatiable hunger for knowledge fuel...
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144. Navigating the Tension Between Rest and Responsibility - Martine Severin
This is How We Create
Have you ever woken up feeling inexplicably frustrated for no apparent reason? This morning, I found myself battling some serious irritation. Through this raw, relatable moment, I discovered something important about what happens when our deepest values start pulling us in opposite directions. In this mini-episode, I share a simple but powerful approach to navigating those moments when you feel torn between what you want and need to do. Sometimes the most profound insights come from the most ordinary moments. Chapters 00:00 - Welcome to This is How We Create 00:30 - The Unexplained...
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143. How A Crocheted Family Quilt Became The Blueprint For Contemporary Art - Qualeasha Wood
This is How We Create
Have you ever had a moment when everything you thought you knew about your path suddenly shifted? In today's episode, I sit down with textile artist Qualeasha Wood, whose innovative work bridges digital imagery with traditional craft techniques. She reveals the unexpected moments that led her from a completely different path into textile art. Qualeasha also shares the profound encounter that changed the trajectory of her art practice. Through stories about family, creativity, and finding her authentic voice, Qualeasha offers powerful insights for any artist navigating their creative journey....
info_outlineIn this essential episode, host Martine Severin draws from her experience creating an artist statement for Scope Miami to provide a practical roadmap for artists struggling with this crucial professional document. From understanding your audience to finding your authentic voice, this episode breaks down the process into manageable steps that will help your work connect with galleries, collectors, and grant committees.
Chapters:
- 00:00 Introduction to Artist Statements
- 03:13 Understanding Your Audience and Purpose
- 06:04 Essential Elements of an Artist Statement
- 09:09 Approaches to Writing Your Artist Statement
- 11:58 Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- 14:47 Refining Your Artist Statement
What You'll Learn:
- How to tailor your statement for different contexts and audiences
- The five key components that make your statement effective
- Practical structural approaches to organize your thoughts
- Common mistakes that undermine your professional presentation
- Techniques to overcome writer's block and find your authentic voice
Free Download:
Get the Artist Statement Development Worksheet mentioned in this episode! This step-by-step guide walks you through targeted exercises that help you generate a compelling statement.
Key Insights from Martine:
"Despite having AI at our disposal, writing an artist statement isn't a breeze. You still need to create a statement that helps collectors and curators understand the context of your work, creates a bridge between your artistic intentions and the viewer's experience, and distinguishes you in a competitive field."
"Your statement should sound like you, not an academic journal, not a marketing brochure, not what you think a 'serious artist' should sound like."
"The best artist statements aren't written in a single sitting. Give yourself permission to explore, experiment, and refine, just as you would with any creative project."
Support the Show:
- Website: MartineSeverin.com
- Follow on Instagram: @martineseverin | @thisishowwecreate
- Subscribe to the Newsletter: Martine's Substack - Creative Matters
This episode of This Is How We Create is produced and edited by Martine Severin.