WEEK TWO
PATH/WAY-- The principles in action as illustrated by each week’s focus
PRINCIPLES-The Container
The Big Picture

The principles, which Lyn outlined so well as The Seven Principles, reflects our spoken and unspoken
principles that we built Enso on. These are reflected in the images and words on the website and in our
personal interactions with the Residents over the years. Although applicants have not seen these
principles, they have resonated with them in knowing us, in referrals by friends who have experienced
Enso and in what they read and see in the catalogs. Artists apply because they want to live their own
authentic artist life which is the Enso Way of living that life.

Example: (for us-not for the residents) If we use the focus topics from the original lesson guide and for
our planning look to the principles to see where the focus topic fits, we might be able to better design
for the principles.

Principle #7 Leave a Trace of Meaning (corresponds to Making Tracks -week 2; Talking About
Your Work-week 10) So, both topics can become part of the lesson guide, but the perspective
changes.

When we get to addressing statement and bio, talking and writing about our work, we send
them back to their journal, etc. to find the storyline that has been part of the term.

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LESSON GUIDE (Sample of a week)
PATH: Capturing The Story of Your Journey

(Introductory Material on website)

As you begin your Journey in Enso, we invite you to delve into the power of storytelling within your own
creative process. As artists, we often draw inspiration from our experiences, emotions, and observations of the
world around us. These personal stories not only fuel our creativity but also define our unique perspectives as
artists.

Collecting contemporaneous material, whether through written accounts, visual diaries, or oral histories, is one
way that our story does not get lost among the distractions of the day. It allows us to capture fleeting moments,
emotions, and insights in real-time. This practice not only preserves the authenticity of our experiences but
also serves as a reservoir of inspiration for future artworks. By documenting our journey in various formats, we
create a rich tapestry of memories and observations that inform and enrich our artistic practice and the story of
the journey.

For professional artists, this collection of contemporaneous material serves several critical purposes. It
provides a repository of ideas and inspirations that can be revisited and reinterpreted over time. It also aids in
self-reflection, helping us identify recurring themes, personal growth milestones, and areas for further
exploration in our work. Additionally, sharing these narratives can deepen connections with our audience,
offering them insights into the stories behind our art and foster meaningful engagement.

TO PONDER:

Oracle card for the week?

Questions for reflection? (These may not be the right questions; I am attempting to keep the
focus on the personal experience as it applies to the focus of the week)

 If the Enso Path is one chapter in your journey as an artist, where does it begin? Describe
some milestones that you anticipate. How would you like this chapter to conclude?

 How do you feel most comfortable capturing your ideas and thoughts, collecting inspiration
and documenting your artwork in process?

PRACTICE: (The practice focuses on supports that provide good habits, options for building structure around
those habits for an artistic life.)

If you have been using a journal or sketchbook or some other way to record your contemporaneous
thoughts about life and your work, make a new section for your Enso Path or start a new book for these
next three months.

If you haven’t been using a notebook or are not satisfied with how you collect your ideas and thoughts,
follow the links in the Resources to review some of the options that other artists use. Select one or two
ways that appeal to you.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION: (The participation outlines what will be discussed in the community Zoom and
some suggestions for sharing in Slack)

 Zoom Michelle and Lyn will both share their personal experiences with how they arrived at how they
keep notes and images of their art and process. You will have time to share your own love/hate
relationship with keeping notes you want to remember, journaling or keeping a sketchbook.

 Slack Once you decide about where and how you will keep your story during your time in Enso, upload
a picture and tell us something about your notebook companion on this journey.

OPTIONAL RESOURCES:

•  Journal (links to journaling for artists; other helps to keeping a journal)
•  Sketchbooks/Visual Journals (links to artist visual journals, Judy’s Guest artist video, Role of
• sketchbook link, etc.)
•  Instagram as a virtual journal (link to article and samples)
•  Lyn’s multi-year history of Shards
•  Out of the Box Ideas: (Twyla Thorp use of boxes for projects, Luin’s sticky notes, Stan’s file folders )

What we make matters. The Enso Way affirms that our creative expressions—no
matter how small—carry intention, story and energy. Each gesture is a legacy.
How will you collect the moments, successes and struggles of this journey?

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Week One:

Harnessing New Energy, Beginning with Intention Material and discussion to include the
role of intention, naming and letting go of fear, choosing what to take on the journey, a good
book as a companion, realizing that these three months is one path but not the whole journey,
ritualizing taking the first step.

 Activities

• Intention Card Exercise
  Each artist writes their intention on one side of a small card and an image or symbol on the other; keep it visible in the studio.
• Fear Release Writing Prompt
  “The fear that might hold me back is ___. I acknowledge it, and I choose to…”
• Creative Packing List
  Make a visual collage or list of the “things” (skills, attitudes, materials) you want to bring with you.
• Mini Ritual
  Everyone designs a 5-minute ritual they can repeat when they feel stuck—could be as simple as making tea mindfully before starting work.
  
  

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