Part 1 Researching other sites
Over the course of this class, we will be building a basic website portfolio of your work. For your first assignment due next class, I want you to email me the websites of 3 artists that you like. Please use the subject ‘Website Homework 1’. Next class, we’ll go through and discuss what you like about the site. Please email your websites to me before class starts.
Part 2 Writing your web biography
What is a biography?
A biography is a short statement about yourself that helps the reader get a better understanding of you as an artist and person. The more concise and understandable the better. If you have problems with grammar and spelling please have someone else you trust read over your biography before you submit it.
Is this an artist statement?
No, artist statements are usually made to help clarify your intention for a particular gallery show or your philosophy behind your current body of work. This is different from your bio and we will discuss this in a later class.
What sort of information should I include?
Below is a sample biography that has been adapted from the excellent ART/WORK by Heather Darcy Bhandari and Jonathan Melber; this book has a lot of great advice for the mechanics of being a working artist. Copies are available in the library but I do believe that this book would be an excellent investment that would serve you well long after college. That said, this book is very popular so please refrain from just filling in the blanks and rephrase this in your own words.
(Your Name) was born in (Year) in (Town, State or Country). He/She is currently studying (Major) at the Pacific Northwest College of Art. He/She is interested in (Artistic interest) and creates work which deals with (Subject or subjects). He/She has already shown work at various venues and exhibits such as (Venue donʼt lie) and (Exhibit). Upcoming shows include (Venue) at (City, State). (Last Name) currently lives and works in Portland, Oregon.
Remember that artistic websites are just as viable as galleries if you havenʼt had any shows it is perfectly OK to leave that section out. Please note that the above was written in the third person i.e. – “Ric Lanciotti enjoys both kittens and puppies” as this is the way most biographies are written but it is also acceptable to write in the first person – “I enjoy both kittens and puppies”. The choice is up to you.
When is the biography due?
The biography will be due next class, it needs to be uploaded to the biography page of your website (We will go over how to create this next class). This is worth 10 points.