Like many of us, I’ve felt a strong need for comfort and protection during these chaotic times. Perhaps we can find some of that within ourselves and our own creative practices. For example (this is a true confession 😊), when I go for my everyday walk in the early morning darkness, I sometimes imagine that I’m wearing a silver hooded cape—light as mist, but impenetrable. It shimmers around me, making me invisible and invulnerable. It’s not just a comforting thought; it’s a shield, a protective visualization that changes how I move through the world.

Imagination is often dismissed as play, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a tool for resilience, for empowerment, even for protection. Creative minds have always used symbols, images, and objects as ways to ward off danger—whether real or emotional. And we can do the same, crafting our own protective talismans through art, storytelling, and visualization.

Creating Personal Symbols of Protection
One of the simplest ways to cultivate a sense of safety is by imagining a personal protective symbol. This could be something visual, like a cloak, a shield, or an aura of light, or something more abstract—like a word, a rhythm, or a phrase that holds strength.
Here are some ways to explore that idea:

• Visualize it: Close your eyes and picture yourself surrounded by a protective force. Maybe it’s a cloak of light, a hidden doorway, an animal guardian walking beside you.
• Draw or paint it: Try sketching your protective symbol, whether it's a luminous shield, an intricate pattern, or even a sigil made of asemic writing.
  
• Create a talisman: Small, handmade objects can hold meaning. A wrapped fiber bundle, a tiny carved figure, or a smooth stone can be infused with the intention of protection.
• Write a mantra of strength: A simple phrase like “I walk unseen by harm” or “My energy is my shield” can be a quiet, steady source of reassurance

The process of making something tangible gives weight to the intention. Even the act of creating—painting, stitching, layering—can be its own form of grounding and resilience.

Art as a Protective Shield

Artists throughout history have used their work as a form of protection, consciously or unconsciously embedding symbols of safety and strength.

• Masks: From African spirit masks to Japanese Noh theater, artists have long created masks as a way to protect the wearer—sometimes from spirits, sometimes from their own fears.
• Protective symbols and sigils: The Eye of Horus, Celtic knots, hamsas, and even Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs are examples of visual art meant to shield their makers and owners.
• Folk art as protection: Many cultures have traditions of creating painted or carved objects meant to bring protection—whether it’s a home blessing, an amulet, or a pattern designed to ward off harm

My Own Experience with Art as Protection

In my own work, I’ve found that layering materials and imagery can feel like constructing a kind of shield—building something solid from fragments, creating meaning from pieces.

• The spirit dolls and assemblages I make often feel like quiet sentinels, holding a kind of presence beyond their form.
• Asemic writing has a mysterious quality to it, almost like a secret language of protection—a spell that only the subconscious can read.
• The process of creating itself—whether through wax, fiber, or collage—becomes a kind of armor against uncertainty, a space where I can shape the intangible into something real
  
• 
  

Art, in any form, has the power to hold and protect. It’s a way of claiming space, of weaving intention into the physical world. And when we engage in it with the purpose of creating our own shields—whether through imagery, objects, or words--it becomes a quiet but powerful force.

I lived in Berkley, California, in 1989 when the earthquake struck. I had been painting in an
upstairs bedroom/studio when the house shook, cabinets emptied, and life suddenly went crazy.
To a South Texas girl, whose only natural disasters included the occasional rattlesnake or
summer drought, shaking earth seemed like the world's end. For weeks, I experienced the
residual effects of that afternoon's upheaval. When I least expected it, I would be overtaken by
an elevator-drop feeling in the pit of my stomach, accompanied by an impending sense of
doom. I had lost something essential, the certainty of the ground beneath me.

Earthquakes appear in the guise of a sudden death in the family, the loss of a relationship, or
the addition of something new that rattles our security and overwhelms our senses.  For a
reason I don't fully understand, I turn to rocks. After the earthquake, I bought a fossil, feeling the
need for the reassuring feel of something ancient. This Fall, I was in between times with my
work, having closed Ordinary Prayers at the Nave Museum in the summer. Unconsciously, I
began collecting stones as representative expressions of kindness or cause for gratitude. It has
become my way to mark time with something tangible.

This personal connection to rocks and their grounding presence mirrors the essence of the
Enso Circle Artist Residency. As artists, we look for a solid foundation for our studio practice to
be consistently productive. We also understand that earthquakes happen. We can find
ourselves stuck in our own in-between time—primarily if we work in isolation or come up against
a wall in our art.  Participation in a twelve-week residency can be a welcome structure to
jumpstart the creative process. The Enso Circle helps artists mark progress with achievable
goals, supported by a like-minded community to build a path forward.

Now in its tenth term, The Enso Circle Artist Residency hosts twelve artists in the Fall and
Spring, serving as a touchstone that nurtures artistic process and personal growth.  Much like
my collection of rocks, participating artists gather experiences and insights as they find
reassurance in the continuity and support of a shared journey of artistic exploration. Thus, the
Enso Circle becomes not just a residency but a sanctuary where the uncertain ground of their
lives finds stability and purpose.

We invite you to apply for the Spring Enso Circle Artist Residency. Applications open February 1st.
Visit our website for more information or to review our most recent final exhibition catalogs.

~~Michelle Belto

As the Enso Circle term begins to draw to a close, our residents are guided in selecting the pieces that best represent their artistic journey for the final catalog exhibition. Each artist brings a unique approach, with distinct styles, strengths, and personal goals set at the beginning of their residency. Throughout the term, Michelle and I and fellow artists have offered feedback and guidance, helping residents refine their direction and focus.

With three weeks still left to prepare, there's ample time to enjoy the process of thoughtfully choosing the pieces that best capture each artist's creative vision and growth. Together, we gather to evaluate each artist’s body of work, identifying the strongest pieces that reflect their goals and personal evolution. This collaborative process respects the individuality of each resident, allowing them to savor this reflective stage as they prepare their final selections

The Enso Circle exhibition catalog becomes more than a collection; it’s a celebration of diverse creative voices unified through a shared commitment to exploration and transformation.

Colors shape our world, influencing moods, decisions, and even memories. Yet, the names we assign to these colors can significantly alter our perception of them.

Take yellow, for example—a color often described simply as “yellow.” Many find this term flat and uninspiring. In our recent discussion, members of the Continuing Residents' Enso Circle highlighted how richer descriptors transform yellow into something vibrant and evocative.

Consider alternatives like “butterscotch,” “saffron,” and “sunshine.” Each name conjures a distinct image and emotion. “Lemon” brings zest to mind, while “dandelion” evokes a carefree childhood, blowing on fluffy seed heads. These alternatives offer a sensory experience that the plain term “yellow” simply cannot provide.

Interestingly, yellow also carries a range of associations that can taint its appeal. Words like “cowardice” (think “yellow-bellied”) or images of decay (like “yellowed pages”) can overshadow its brightness. In contrast, colors like blue or pink lack such negative connotations, perhaps making them feel more universally appealing.

Our conversation revealed that the richness of a color’s name can create connections to personal experiences and emotions. When we hear “Tuscan sun,” we imagine warm landscapes and joyful moments, while “dijon” evokes culinary delight. The way we label colors can awaken our senses, creating a tapestry of feelings that a single word might miss.

As artists, designers, and even communicators, it’s crucial to recognize the impact of language on our perception of color. By choosing more descriptive names, we can elevate our understanding and appreciation of the hues around us, inviting others to see the world through a more vibrant lens. Let’s embrace the poetic possibilities of color naming—because every shade has a story to tell.

In the Third Week of the Residency, Enso Circle artists share behind-the-scene glimpses of their creative spaces.

The Enso Circle Artists in Residence each have unique studio spaces that reflect their personal approaches to creativity. For some, the studio serves as a shelter—a sanctuary where they can retreat, think deeply, and explore inner ideas. Others treat their studio like a laboratory, experimenting with new techniques, materials, or processes to push their art into new territories. Some use the space simply to paint or construct, where focused, hands-on work takes precedence. The size of the studio doesn’t necessarily matter; what counts is how the space is used.

The studios themselves vary widely: some are meticulously organized, with each tool and material in its place, while others are chaotic, filled with the vibrant energy of works in progress. Does it matter? Not really. What’s important is how the space supports the artist's vision and journey. Whether neat or messy, each studio is an extension of the artist's process, a space where creative epiphanies are born and nurtured into existence.

Please enjoy this short video peek into the working spaces of these diverse and inventive artists.

They say when one door closes, another opens—but sometimes, that door stays shut for a while. That’s exactly the case with The Enso Circle, our unique online artist residency. The window for applications closes in just three days, and once it does, it won’t open again until 2025.

If you’ve been thinking about applying, now is the time. The Enso Circle offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in a supportive community of artists, focusing on your individual goals—whether it’s exploring new directions, preparing for an exhibition, or finding your signature style. Over twelve weeks, you’ll be guided by Lyn and Michelle, all while engaging in rich, creative conversations with like-minded fellow Residents that will push your work to new heights.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Visit The Enso Circle to learn more and submit your application. After this week, the door will be closed for a long time. Make sure you’re on the inside when it does.

Your creative journey is waiting—don’t wait another year to begin it. Apply now, and step into a future filled with artistic growth and fulfillment.

Michelle Belto and I are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the next session of The Enso Circle, our unique 12-week online artist residency. If you are an artist who values focus and community, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re exploring a new artistic direction, preparing for an upcoming exhibition, seeking to refine your signature style, or simply wanting to share the joy of creativity with a like-minded group, The Enso Circle offers the perfect environment to achieve your goals.

At The Enso Circle, we believe that the creative journey is deeply personal, yet richly enhanced by the support and inspiration of a committed community. Our residents work on individual projects while enjoying the benefits of collaboration, feedback, and shared experiences with fellow artists.

This residency is more than just a program—it’s a 12-week investment in a lifetime of artistic fulfillment. If you’re ready to focus, grow, and connect, we invite you to apply and become part of The Enso Circle community. Click here to learn more.

How do I apply?
You apply to the Enso Circle online. Applications open August 14th, 2024.

Applications close August 28, 2024; new Residents will be notified by September 4, 2024.
Here is the Application Link.

Orientation Week begins September 11 with group introductions and Zoom meetings; the term ends the week of December 12 with the exhibition catalog reveal.

Join us in creating something extraordinary. The Enso Circle is waiting for you.
 
Lyn & Michelle

The topic of art residencies is hot right now, partly because of their numerous benefits for artists. They can  offer invaluable opportunities for creative growth and experimentation, allowing artists to explore new ideas without the pressures of deadline commercial commitment.

Residencies also foster networking and collaboration, connecting artists with peers, curators, and professionals, which can lead to future collaborations and career advancements. The cultural exchange provided by international residents like those we have in The Enso Circle inspires new perspectives, enriching artistic practices.

The pandemic highlighted the need for creative spaces, and as the world has reopened, there is a renewed interest in residencies for reconnection and rejuvenation. Interdisciplinary opportunities encourage the integration of new mediums and technologies, and the emphasis on mental well-being offers a retreat-like environment that positively impacts mental health and creativity. These factors collectively contribute to the growing popularity of art residencies.

Not all Residencies are created equally, of course, including some in-person Residency Programs:

Review of a four week program in Mexico:
"They were in a rush to get my bank transfer ($2500 plus airfare)
Once I got there, they gave me a studio separated from the group because I paint in oil. They never told me before hand I would be painting in a separate room. The room was located on the fourth floor made out all off glass without air conditioned and with way too much light for a painter! Think about it, we were in Mexico! It is super hot and sunny. A room made out of glass - really! I couldn’t paint a whole week. They didn’t offer anything to compensate the money I lost. They didn’t reply to me for 3 days because it was apparently the week-end and once they respond they did act like I was disturbing them. It took them too long to react and their only idea was to put paper in the window."

Yikes - at least with The Enso Circle online Residency Program, you know where you will be working!

More on the topic: Glasstire is the premiere online Art Journal for Texas and reaches a national audience as well. They have a brand-new podcast discussion about residencies.

Art Dirt: Eat, Sleep, Work: Talking About Art Residencies
Leslie Moody Castro and Gabriel Martinez discuss the growing number of residencies in Texas and beyond.
"It's important to see how other people are solving similar problems in the studio. We learn by example and by seeing people's thought processes and studio techniques. Some of the most rewarding parts of residencies are spending time with people and making connections."

PODCAST


One of the most interesting topics in this discussion was the idea of a Curator's Residency. Have listen if you have time and then think about where an online, affordable Residency like The Enso Circle is right for you. Applications open soon!