Page 62 - Enso Circle Catalog September 2021

Sarah Treanor
MICHELLE BELTO
Harleen Osborn
The entire experience of the ENSO
My best work has always had components of image, story and dance. Without the Circle has been so good for me on so When I first read about The Enso Circle,
immediacy of live performance, I’ve had to wrestle with the limits of the visual form. many levels. It has pushed me to try I was so excited. An opportunity to
How was I to merge narrative in my work or give a sense of movement in what is new things and experiment with some work with Lyn and Michelle – I couldn’t
basically a two-dimensional static image? My questions and my ensuing study kinds of making that I’ve wanted to do apply fast enough! Little did I know
led me to paper and wax as mediums of choice. Paper, as an organic material, is for years. It has encouraged me to let that I would be joined by a group of
useble only after it is transformed from grass into pulp which becomes canvas. Wax, go of expectations and experiment more wonderful women, sisters in spirit. All
in its molten state, incorporates movement as an essential quality in both application openly. Through the residency, I’ve these artists are talented and blessed
and process. been able to take the time and space to with generous hearts and a giving spirit.

LYN BELISLE concentrate on some deeply personal The residency has brought focus and a
work that has allowed me to work through purpose into my art practice and dear
Human faces, ancient or contemporary, fascinate me as summaries of life stories in some emotions in a very cathartic way. friends into my life. I’m already planning
the moment. Clay, paper, beeswax, and fiber are my instinctive, beloved media but It has helped me to feel more supported for the next three months in the Circle
mark-making through abstract painting challenges me to develop my own language and like I have a “crew” I can talk to about as a continuing resident. Oh, and did I
of expression and translation.The more aware I am of the little day-to-day things art things who “get it”. And lastly, it also mention how much fun it is!
that capture my attention by calling to me in a mysterious way, and the more I take helped me embrace parts of my process
note of them, the more understanding I gain about the purpose of my art as basic I have struggled with for years by giving
human communication, both to myself and to the viewer. me new perspectives.
Kate Stockman

Congratulations to the Residents of the Enso Circle for an excellent exhibit! I relished meeting and learning from Lyn
We are so grateful to you for your creativity, courage, and diversity! and Michelle and the other residents. But

even more importantly, you both are such
supportive guides and mentors. When I
changed my mind regarding my goal, you
both responded with a resounding “Brava!”
While I had given myself permission to
change my mind, that support affirmed my
choice. I’m not sure what I was expecting Katherine Dyer
from you, but your response was balm to my
Michelle Belto is a multi-faceted artist and teacher, Lyn Belisle is an award-winning teacher, artist, frustrated artist soul! Enso Circle experience:
whose work as an artist, educator and author spans designer, and writer, who has taught a range of When I was accepted to the circle, I thought I’d
more than forty years, three continents and multiple fine arts, humanities, English, and graphic design won the lotto! And then fear kicked in…what
publications. She holds degrees and certifications throughout her career. Lyn teaches mixed-media Marian McKenzie-Cone have I done I thought. I’m not a full time artist,
in Fine Art, Theater and Expressive Arts. Michelle’s workshops at Lyn Belisle Studio in San Antonio. She I’ve never had a show of my work, much less
teaching schedule includes instruction in her also teaches nationally, recently in Taos, Santa Fe, Knowing the teacher and knowing I know the first thing about it. Words like ‘artist
signature work with paper and wax (Wax and Paper Provincetown, and Washington State. Her signature needed to reach out to a like minded statement’ and ‘bio’…oh my!
Workshop, Northlight Press 2012) and her life’s work media are earthenware, paper, encaustic, and group of people to keep me focused on
fiber. She has had six one-person gallery exhibits
developing an insightful process for deciphering since 2011, and recently retired from the faculty producing more art and this seemed like Now that I am almost at the end of my Enso
meaning and purpose from the art we create. Her at the Computer Science Department at Trinity a dream place at the right time. (It was)! Circle, I have to tell you that Lyn and Michelle
work is in private, corporate and museum collections. University. Lyn is an active member of the San It became a place of refuge for me I are gems! They openly share their experience
Michelle is a CORE teacher for R&F Paints and an Antonio Art League, the Fiber Artists of San Antonio, just couldn’t wait for the next ping on with you and make you feel so welcome
adjunct faculty at Southwest School of Art where she the San Antonio Potters’ Guild, the Encaustic Art my Slack site, the community built from regardless of where you are in your art journey.
The Circle artists are amazing and I often bask
teaches a variety of encaustic painting courses. institute, the International Encaustic Artists, and The this residency is more than I could have in their knowledge and insight. I have moved
ever thought possible, the organization
American Craft Council.
behind the scenes has been enormous ahead in my art farther than I even expected.
I know, but such a smooth outcome and I now even say I am an artist, and my voice is
62 beautiful group of ‘found’ friends. 63 getting stronger.