Page 5 - The Enso circle continuing Residents' Exhibition Catalog, Term Five, December 2022

Introduction

“This is a poem about the world that is ours, or could be.”- Mary Oliver

The seed of the Enso Circle softly floated about between Lyn
Belisle and Michelle Belto over the years, waiting for the right time
and fertile ground. In February 2021 they decided it was time to
share this idea, so they sent out a call for those who might be
interested, and that seed nestled down to begin its transformation
into a community.

There is magic in bearing witness to the birth of a circle of artists
from around the world. There is magic in watching it evolve and
grow over five terms, sending roots deep and branches wide,
watching some leaves float away on their own independent
journeys while others unfurl, change color, or begin anew. The first
term provided structure, introduced ideas, and set yet more seeds. Some of us asked to
continue, knowing that “we weren’t done yet” or simply finding joy in the sharing, and the
Continuing Residents (CR) community was born.
The richness of The Enso Circle gives us the chance to explore our art across media,
seeing what we have in common and how we vary as we work. There is time, space,
and encouragement for reflection, action, and discovery. The Continuing Residents have
blossomed in so many ways as we accompany one another in our creative and personal
journeys. Each of us has grown our unique voices along with our creative skills, no matter
what stage we are at or what our purpose is in our art.

Lyn and Michelle still guide us, offer structure and prods, but another element emerged
as we took over the alternating weeks for sessions among the CRs. We started leading
each other some in areas where we were comfortable contributing. We range from
facilitated critiques to specific methods and processes, and on to deeper spirit or soul driven
experiences. We have become both students and mentors to each other; companions on
our lone and shared journeys at the same time.

It was an honor and a privilege to be part of the original Enso Circle, and continues to
be so for the CR group. My piece for the Beginnings exhibition was about our circle, and I
wrote: “When we start, it is dark, uncertain, and there is much to learn. If we dare to open to
the circle, to reflect, to be vulnerable, to share the journey, that wee beginning shifts.” This
dynamic and courageous group lives this idea over and over. They share their lights with
each other and with the world. May this collection of our works from the most recent term
carry you alongside our paths for a time, and touch you, if but for a moment, with the magic
of life.

Heather Tinkham

December, 2022 5