Help on portfolio

[Chipper]

Putting together my first portfolio for consideration in a gallery.

Would appreciate suggestions.
      Should I include various themes? portraiture, landscapes, still life, interiors?

       How many photos should I include?  
       Is 8 X 10 the most appropriate size?
       How important is the presentation binder/folder?

       They want an "artist's statement".  Any thoughts on this?  I've read so many that sound so pretentious.

Finally, if you would like, you can see my work on my website:
  www.impactfolios.com/etier

Comments, criticism, suggestions welcome.

Thanks,
 Chipper

[LoisWakeman]

Chipper - Alan Briot has an article here on portfolios, which says it all much better than I could (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/portfolio-8.shtml).

Artist's statements are conventionally in the third person and may include direct quotes to alleviate the formality. You are right that some are so pretentious as to be laughable: but just say in plain words what makes you tick artistically, have a brief summary of what you do and how you were trained (if you were). Above all, try to avoid those ghastly buzzwords like "passionate", "vibrant" if you can (a bugbear of mine!).