Studio Diploma Seminar: Resources for Research

Brainstorming and Free Writing

Spend some time thinking about your own work, and write a list of  words that describe it in terms of medium, materials, concept, process, other descriptive language

Selecting Your Artist

Even if you have an artist in mind, try searching/browsing these resources and expand your options:

• Artsy: A fantastic resource for images of, and information about, contemporary art. 
• Hyperallergic: One of the best news sites about contemporary art. In addition to news, it includes artist profiles, interviews, exhibition reviews, and opinon pieces. 
• Print periodicals: The SMFA Library subscribed to dozens of print magazines, journals, and newspapers about art (and beyond!)
• Books: Wander the shelves, see what you find...

Artist and/or Gallery Websites

• Good for finding biographical information required for this assignment. Keep a look out for CVs, exhibition history, artist statements.

Books

Tufts Classic Catalog 
Use the Tufts Classic Catalog to search the print and ebook collections of the Tufts University Libraries. 

Tips

• Make sure you switch the search type from "Title" (the default) to "Keyword." This will ensure that you find books where your artist is featured, though isn't necessarily the sole subject. 

Articles and Exhibition Reviews

Jumbo Search
A portal for searching almost everything available through the Tufts Libraries: scholarly journal articles, print books, ebooks, news articles, videos, sound recordings, and more. Think of it as google for Library resources. 

Tips

• When you search your artist's name, use quotation marks ("Carmen Herrera"). This will ensure more relevant results. An exception: Names westernized from Asian languages. For example, Chong-hyun Ha should be searched as both "Chong-hyun Ha" and "Ha Chong-hyun." 
• To find exhibition reviews about your artist, search their name and add the word "review"
• To find video recordings and streaming media about your artist, search their name and then limit content type to "streaming video" and "video recording."

• How to Write About Contemporary Art, book on reserve at the SMFA Library
• Make an appointment at the SMFA Writing Studio