Week Two: Witnessing and Recording the Journey

Art flourishes in community, and part of holding space for each other is witnessing. This week, you’ll explore how artists capture the breadcrumbs of their path—through journals, sketchbooks, notes, or digital platforms. We’ll reflect both on documenting your process and on honoring the stories of others in the circle. By week’s end, you’ll have begun a practice that serves both as a record of your growth and a resource for future statements and portfolios.

4:00 CDT
MONDAY ZOOM: (Michelle or Lyn will be available for tech help or to answer questions at 3:45)
 
We are of the belief that there is no one “right” way to record your thoughts or explore your ideas as you create work. We do encourage to you find your right way.  We start the week hearing from your fellow residents about their own experiences of using journals or sketchbooks, digital documentation or any other system that has worked. To prepare for this zoom, think about what has worked for you. What have you tried? What hasn’t worked? What is your optimal balance between writing and visual recording? We look forward to your sharing and a lively discussion.
 
 
TO READ:
From Inspiration to Finished Artwork, Documenting Your Process: Michelle's reflections on meaningful documentation
 
TO WATCH: 
 
The Thirty Minute Chapbook Journal (make your own journal) Many artists prefer to make their own journal or sketchbook. Lyn demonstrates a simple process for creating a personalized residency book to get you going.

FOR FUN:
A list of free Art Journal lessons from various sources shared by Roben-Marie Smith.
 
 
TO ACCOMPLISH:

1. After hearing from your circle residents and exploring the content in your Enso Lesson Guide for this week, select a way to document your process during these next three months. If journaling or sketching is already a part of your studio practice, move on to #2.
2. Begin your journal with naming your goal and listing your needs. Include materials you need to purchase, artists you want to research, skills you want to revisit. Make sketches, create color swatches, outline steps. Use any means that your foresee will help you move your vision into reality. 
3. PROGRESS REPORT: A weekly short progress report is key to keeping accountable to yourself. Each week, before the end of the week, we ask that you post a two or three sentence update on how the week went for you and what progress you made toward your goals. Here is your Friday Checksheet. Be honest. Some weeks are better than others. We have all been there. Post your progress report under the channel PROGRESS-REPORTS-GOALS.

TO DEEPEN:
 
The Power of Intention   Most artists know something about “soul.” While there is much that we do to develop our work and ourselves as artists, we come to the practice of art making recognizing that it is in its essence, a spiritual practice. Each week, the Enso Circle will explore this aspect of art through readings and exercises, stories and discussion of elements that contribute to strengthening the spiritual dimension of our work as a way to deepen our studio practice.
          
OPTIONAL RESOURCES:

• Zoom Guest Artist Judy Wise    Judy Wise speaks to the 2021 Spring Residents about her life long love affair with visual journals.  
• Tips and Tricks From A Journal Junkie   This short pdf has tips to make your journals personalized and useful.  

Back to Week One

WEEK THREE