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!

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.

Even if they are not part of the Enso Circle, which supports individuality in a caring community setting, artists can balance independence in their studio work with active participation in an artist's group by finding ways to nurture both their personal creative processes and their sense of community. Here are some strategies to achieve this balance:
 
 1. Scheduled Solo Time and Group Activities
   - Independent Studio Work: Dedicate specific times for uninterrupted solo work in the studio. This allows artists to focus deeply on their individual projects and creative exploration.
   - Group Meetings and Events: Participate in regular group meetings, workshops, and events organized by the artist's group. This fosters a sense of belonging and provides opportunities for collaboration and inspiration.
 
 2. Sharing and Feedback Sessions
   - Studio Independence: Work independently on personal projects and bring completed or in-progress works to group meetings.
   - Community Engagement: Share work with the group for constructive feedback. This helps artists gain new perspectives while still maintaining their individual artistic vision.
 
 3. Collaborative Projects
   - Independent Contributions: Contribute individual skills and perspectives to collaborative projects while working independently on assigned tasks.
   - Group Synergy: Combine efforts with other artists to create a unified piece, benefiting from the diverse skills and ideas within the group.
 
 4. Mentorship and Learning
   - Personal Growth: Pursue individual learning goals and techniques in the studio.
   - Group Learning: Engage in mentorship programs, workshops, and skill-sharing sessions within the artist’s group to learn from peers and mentors.
 
 5. Exhibitions and Shows
   - Solo Exhibitions: Host solo exhibitions to showcase personal work and unique artistic voice.
   - Group Exhibitions: Participate in group shows, where individual works contribute to a larger collective theme, fostering community recognition and support.
 
 6. Online Presence
   - Independent Sharing: Maintain personal social media accounts and websites to showcase individual work.
   - Group Platforms: Contribute to the artist group's online platforms, promoting the group’s activities and collaborative projects.
 
 7. Networking and Support
   - Self-Promotion: Independently network and promote personal work within broader art communities.
   - Community Support: Offer support and resources to fellow group members, creating a network of mutual assistance and encouragement.
 
 8. Balance and Boundaries
   - Personal Boundaries: Set clear boundaries to protect personal studio time and creative space.
   - Community Participation: Commit to regular but balanced participation in group activities, ensuring neither aspect is neglected.
 
By strategically blending solo work with community involvement, artists can enrich their personal practice while benefiting from the support, inspiration, and opportunities that come from being part of an artist's group. This dual approach enhances both individual and collective artistic growth.

To learn more about how we blend independence with community, see how The Enso Circle might be the right place for you!

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