INTRODUCTION: THE ENSO CIRCLE

We initiated the first Enso Circle in March of 2021, only a few weeks after the historic Texas winter storm that shut down our city and decimated flora across the state. Against that backdrop, we accepted the first twelve artists in The Enso Circle Residency, who having been isolated in their Covid studios, bravely stepped into a new virtual world, coming together as artists. What a difference two years make!

This year Spring arrived in South Texas with a welcome downpour of rain that, although not enough to wipe out the effects of a three-year drought, filled our gardens with a profusion of vegetables and flowers. What a difference twelve weeks make!

A similar feeling of abundance has marked this sixth term of the Enso Circle. Twelve weeks of creative collaboration here in this virtual community have yielded friendships and astounding artwork, but the art you see in this exhibition catalog is only a fragment of what has been created this term. We’ve seen how art can renew hope against a backdrop of hardship and isolation. We’ve witnessed personal and professional growth that affirms our belief that becoming a better and more confident artist happens best in a supportive community of other artists.

As we come to the end of another term, we are thankful for these residents who have accepted our invitation and braved a new way across time zones and countries to create a vibrant and inspired community. Through art and the warmth of human connection, we’ve seen the difference that the community makes.

Michelle Belto

Co-Founder, The Enso Circle

June 18, 2023

Sometimes, you just get lucky. Call it serendipity, grace, or good fortune, when it happens, you feel incredibly blessed. When it happens six times, something exceptional is going on that’s beyond luck or wishing. That’s how I feel about this Sixth Term of The Enso Circle.

These twelve artists, whose artwork you can view in this exhibition catalog, came together to commit twelve weeks to a program they joined through instinct and intuition. This is the sixth such gathering, and I am amazed that Michelle and I could be fortunate enough feel the same collective magic that has happened since early 2021.

The artists in this Sixth-Term group are perhaps the most media-diverse of any previous Enso Circle Residents – fiber, glass, ceramics, mosaics, collage, assemblage, oil painting, printmaking – and they are also among the most experimental. They have been quick to ask each other for advice and quicker to respond. Their own words confirm the authenticity of their journey.

I came into this residency with such self-doubt, I was not sure I had made the right decision in participating. I come out of this residency with a sense of peace knowing I am capable of producing art that I am proud of. As much of an incredible learning experience this was for me, it was also a journey of self discovery for me.

What would it take to accept myself as an artist? The definition of art: the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects. So for all of us who struggle with embracing the label - this makes it seem achievable! Create on sisters!

Delightful, serious, and adventurous, these artists embody a spirit of generosity and empathy towards their fellow residents. As individuals and as a collective, this group has been truly exceptional. I extend my profound gratitude to each of them for entrusting the process that led them here and gracing us with their presence.

Lyn Belisle

Co-Founder, The Enso Circle

June 20, 2023

WHAT IS THE ENSO CIRCLE?

The Enso Circle is an invitational art residency, a dedicated three-month time period in which Residents join a community of creators for a specific self-chosen goal that is unique. The online residency provides the comprehensive artistic support that allows artists to focus and strengthen their work.

Those who are accepted have access to workshop sessions, a private online library of resources, regular Zoom critiques and group discussions, and presentations with guest artists. During the three months there will be opportunities to share work in process, troubleshoot stuck points, get positive and supportive feedback, and meet one on one with Lyn and/or Michelle. The residency culminates in a shared online exhibition and catalogue.

WHO IS THIS COMMUNITY FOR?

Artists who are ready to focus on a conceptual goal in their studio practice through flexible structure. A goal might be a social theme, an exploration of media, a series of work that analyzes personal struggles or celebrates overcoming difficulty.

It’s also a space for those who feel stuck, who may need the externally imposed order of a community of creative colleagues, and who value the exponential wisdom of the group.

Finally . . . .

If you feel the need for a balanced experience that encourages both personal creative time and guided encouragement from like-minded working artists, you will find a home in the Enso Circle with Lyn Belisle, Michelle Belto, and your fellow art Residents.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.THEENSOCIRCLE.COM

Current Enso Circle Residents

CAROLYN ADAMS

BARB CONE

SANDRA CURRIE

RACHEL DE ALMEIDA

JASMINE DENNIS

MAGGIE FITCH

KAREN MURPHY

MARGUERITE MOREAU MCCARTHY

MARJ NARDI

NADINE RUSINEK-BLOOMFIELD

PAMELA STRATTON

KATHY UTTS

TEXAS

MASSACHUSETTS

TEXAS

MAINE

TEXAS TEXAS

TEXAS

SOUTH CAROLINA

TEXAS

KANSAS

ONTARIO

MASSACHUSETTS

TEXAS