Shared reflections and insights from The Enso Circle Founders and Artists-in-Residence
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Preparing for the Final Catalog: Enso Circle’s Role in Showcasing Resident Artists' Best Work11/13/2024 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.  Carol LaBorie, Vessel 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  Donna Towers, Collage 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.
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 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.  If you were one of the more than 220 million world viewers of this summer’s Olympics, you probably heard stories about the dedication and sacrifice required to compete at this international level. Most athletes hoped that this year would be their year. Following a qualifying run, one athlete, realizing that his timed speed would likely not be good enough for a medal, remarked to the interviewer, “While my chances are small that I will make it to the medal stand, I am happy just to be in France among so many others who understand what it has taken to get here.”  We may not fully understand what it takes to be an Olympic athlete, but we do know what it takes to be an artist. And we also know that artistic excellence requires similar sacrifices of time and focused dedication. Our practice is repetitive, repeatedly painting the same subject to get the light just right. We use mentors to become better at our craft.We take classes to put more tools at our disposal. Our work is often solitary, so occasionally, we need to be in the company of others who understand what it takes to be an artist. That is the primary reason the Enso Circle Artist Residency was created. Each term, we become a tight-knit community, a village of artists from different parts of the world with different life stories who create in many art disciplines, each striving for personal excellence. Looking back over the last few months of watching the Olympics, I heard wise words that I thought spoke to the artists who will be applying for this term’s Residency. “I don’t think you’re human if you don’t get nervous.” Sidney Crosby is a gold-medal hockey player. Coming into a new community, knowing you will be sharing your art with other artists, takes courage to step out of your comfort zone. Most past Residents would say that the nerves go away quickly in the excitement of The Enso Circle Slack Village. “Nothing can substitute for just plain hard work.” Andre Agassi, a gold-medal tennis player. Most of us have learned that we can’t make art in our heads. We must show up in the studio to solve the problems that arise at work. With the Residency, your questions have answers, and suggestions are available from other artists in their studios and solving their problems. And some will even be up since your night is their morning. Focus, discipline, hard work, goal setting, and the thrill of finally achieving your goals. These are all life lessons.” Kristi Yamaguchi, gold-medal figure skater. Is this your year to achieve a longed-for goal? Are you ready to go for the gold?   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! You may have noticed that we have a new logo that includes the words "Connect, Create, Transform." That says a lot about us, but it's not the whole story. Why did we pick the iconic Enso Circle as a symbol? The unique imperfections and contours of each enso are what make it beautiful. This mirrors the residency’s celebration of individuality, where each artist’s distinct voice and creative expression are valued. The community thrives on the diversity and uniqueness of its members, much like the beauty found in the varied forms of the enso.  If we set out to draw a "perfect enso circle", we are missing the point. The act of painting an enso is a reflection of the artist's state at the moment of creation, just like a drop of water falling into a pond. It can't ever be recreated or duplicated. It's just what it is, neither perfect nor imperfect. Sort of like us. And that's a freeing thought - we don't have to live up to anyone's standards of perfection. Like an Enso, we just have to be us in the moment. Creating an enso (and becoming a Resident) involves letting go of expectations and allowing the hand to move freely. The Residency encourages artists to let go of preconceived notions, embrace spontaneity, and explore new creative territories, fostering an environment of growth and discovery.  The circular form of the enso also symbolizes the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all things. The Enso Circle residency embodies this through the strong bonds formed among the artists, the shared experiences, and the collective growth that occurs over the twelve weeks.
If you, like the Enso Circle itself, are a bit wobbly, imperfect, and full of surprises, this may be the place for you to celebrate your uniqueness. Applications to The Enso Circle Residency open on Wednesday, August 14 and close on Wednesday, August 28th. Link to our Website Link to the Application Link to our Residents' Catalogs from previous terms  Artists usually profit from their time away from the studio. The members of the Enso Circle Artist Residency are no exception. Most of us seek ways to replenish the well for inspiration and ideas for new work to bring back to the studio.
Speaking of catalogs, The Residents and The Continuing Residents are proud to present their exemplary new work from the Spring term in The Enso Circle Exhibit Catalogs. We encourage you to grab a cool drink and enjoy a walk through our gallery. If you can see yourself in those pages, take a short trip to The Enso Circle Website where you will discover a new page created just for you. Bookmark the page to have all the details of dates, price, and application all in one place.  If you were to join us at the Residency Water Cooler this summer, you'd find a vibrant community of artists sharing vacation travel images, progress reports, and suggestions for new materials and processes to explore. We're not just a residency, we're a supportive community that continues to thrive even during the Residency vacation months.
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