Many artist submissions require some sort of artist statement. Rather than reuse the same one every time, I prefer to write one for every submission. Here is my latest.
Experimentation is the best teacher and I am constantly pushing myself to create failures. Only through a combination of failures and successes can I truly understand where the line is between what works and doesn’t, and what I can and cannot do. I found that I, and the materials with which I work, was capable of much more than I thought. Had I not pushed myself to achieve failure, I would not have realized that. True freedom comes from a deep understanding of all the variables and consequences in play.
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 
During his days, Babe Ruth lead the majors in home runs, however he also lead the majors in strike outs. No one remembers him for his strike outs.
Mike,
That is a great example.
Chris
Smrt! :) to quote Homer Simpson