Goal Setting for the Creative Mind

One of the first things we ask in the application process is what the applicant wants to accomplish in a twelve-week residency. Implied in the question is the need for a goal. For many of us artists, the word itself is intimidating. Can I change my mind once the Residency starts? If I aim to complete three paintings during the Residency, do I have to work on only those paintings? What if I choose a goal that I won’t be able to accomplish?  
 
Our answer: Yes. No. Reshape the goal.

Photo Credit: Ronnie Overgoor on Unsplash

These are questions we get at the beginning of every Residency.
I began to wonder why?

As artists, we face three issues in setting goals. First, most of us are not trained to be linear thinkers working with objectives and action statements. It is not that we can’t work with lists and timelines; it is just that it is not our preferred way of getting things done, even though we might use those skills when we apply for shows or document our work.
 
Artists, especially women artists, are more comfortable using a circular thinking process. We gather information through interaction and insight while responding to that data by recognizing patterns and chasing ideas. I call this method breadcrumbs – a random research process powered by bits of insight that develop over time into a direction. Because of this holistic way of working, we are happiest when we have multiple art-related projects.
 
The other issue many artists face is that we usually have too many goals! We have a long list of materials we want to explore, art modalities we’d like to learn, and concepts we should research. As we meander down the byways of art making, we will collect many breadcrumbs, many competing for our attention. We know from experience that these rabbit holes can either become a time drain or the linchpin to a breakthrough.

   Photo Credit: Shayna Douglas on Unsplash

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Photo Credit: No Revision on Unsplash

Finally, we are all a little bit protective of this creative power, afraid that if we set a limit or a direction, some fantastic idea will come up. We will need to go in another direction. We fear setting goals will stifle our creativity and possibly lead us to miss the next great idea.
 
If you are thinking about applying for The Enso Circle and are worried about committing to a goal, we encourage you to take a trial run by listing all the things you would like to get accomplished by next Spring. Choose the most appealing idea and then imagine yourself there! How do you feel?

If you have questions, feel free to contact us directly or arrange to talk to one of our Residents about their experience in the Circle.  (michelle@michellebelto.com, lyn@lynbelisle.com)