Artist statements are equally likely to be abstract and unfathomable: "By manipulating natural and synthetic textures the artist creates visual and auditory spatial relationships of consummate integrity." The statements are aimed toward an art professional audience, often those who practice artspeak. Some are just silly: "I am inspired by nature. I love color." Without anything further, we learn nothing about the artist (I suppose there are some people abhor nature and who don't like color, but usually they're not writing artist blogs. Kind of a pity--I'd read something by the artist who says "Color and nature just get in the way of my real inspiration, which is . . .") If artist statements have any real utility, I think it is in letting the reader know about the artist's thought process. People want to feel they know the artist just a little before spending money on the art.
I am a person who likes to use real language. When you sit down to talk with someone who is newly diagnosed with a terminal illness, using big words is just a sign of avoidance. It's cowardly. I am the nurse who would say, "This is a really bad illness. You alreadly know that your pain is increasing, and you don't have much energy. The medications they give pretty much all make you constipated. I can help with these things." So I am working on an honest artist statement. See what you think--comments are welcome.
"I make beautiful things with fiber. Some are useful, others, simply decorative. Fiber is a very seductive medium, luring me to touch the work and fondle the fabric and yarn. Often the fiber comes first, and later I figure out what to do with it. I make things that call out to be made. I seldom know in advance how something will develop, but I generally do know when it's finished. Most of my work has some sort of story, which I hope the viewer can discern--but if not, I put it on a label on the back."