Page 4 - Enso Circle Catalogue Term Four
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INTRODUCTION: THE ENSO CIRCLE
I reread some of the early communications between Lyn and I from 2015 when This is the fourth Enso Circle Exhibition Catalog. In my preface to the last
we first began planning what would later become The Enso Circle. Back then, I was catalog, I wrote, “The big surprise to me is how this Residency program has
doing a lot of teaching on the road and Lyn had created a thriving art center. The affected me personally, renewing my tattered sense of optimism and reviving my
original impetus, I think, came from wanting to continue and expand our collaborative absolute faith in the creative force of community during uncertain times.” That
teaching experiences into something more enduring. We continued to throw around thought is even truer at the conclusion of this fourth twelve-week term.
ideas for the next couple of years, while life took us in different directions. The
proverbial window opened when Covid forced us all into quarantine. Separated It’s a challenge to try and describe the amazing synergy this group puts forth
and isolated in our studios across town from one another, we had time and energy with its generosity, its insights, and its trust in each other. I found a metaphor
to design a focused experience based on connections-creative, collaborative and yesterday when I came across an article in The Atlantic about starlings. When
community—the opportunity we wanted for ourselves. The Enso Circle Artists starlings flock together, wheeling and darting through the sky in tight, fluid
Residency was born. formations, it’s called a murmuration. The patterns they create as a group are
mesmerizing, and yet each murmuration is made up of individual birds who know
David Brooks, NYT columnist, wrote recently that 2021 has been a shapeless year. intuitively that their existence is enhanced by the group.
He was speaking of the experience of isolation-fog, a weariness of spirit that comes
with seemingly endless waiting as a Covid world marks time. The Enso Circle is a murmuration of sorts, a murmeration whose wholeness
depends on each starling’s willingness to complete the journey home. Each of the
I am struck by the contrast of Brook’s experience to those in the Circle. During the Resident Artists whose authentic, eclectic work graces these pages answered a
last twelve weeks, I witness artists immersed in art making, shaping their weeks call for a concept that had not been tried before – a virtual Art Residency based
through personal goals and accountability to the community. Our Zoom meetings on a mutual journey toward fulfillment. Like starlings, we’ve inspired each other in
and Slack discussions are lively and engaging, often punctuated by laughter. There creative, trusting ways, sometimes taking the lead, and always flying close to each
is a palpable excitement and a pride in accomplishment evident in posting of work in other.
process. Requests for critique invite supportive discussions followed by new insights.
Yes, is so many ways, 2021 has been a shapeless year. Lyn and I are humbled to In their individual exploration of eclectic media, Enso Circle Residents have
weave the fabric of the Enso Circle twelve weeks at a time. produced a compilation of work that analyzes and expresses personal struggles,
celebrates overcoming difficulty, and revels in the absolute joy of nature. You’ll
The stunning work in this catalogue speaks to the professional and artistic growth see powerful visual and descriptive examples of these authentic statements on
of each participant. The variety of media and artistic expressions you see here has every page of this catalog. I am grateful beyond words for each of the artists on the
been a rich and exciting cross-pollination of ideas and resources. Thanks to each of pages and stand in awe of their deep commitment to their art and to each other on
these amazing artists for allowing Lyn and I to be a part of their life and their creative our journey together.
process.
Michelle Belto Lyn Belisle
Co-Founder, The Enso Circle Co-Founder, The Enso Circle
April 29, 2022 April 29, 2022
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