I've just finished a 12 week artist residency with a group called The Enso Circle. This unique program, led by two talented artists in Texas, brought together eight artists—five from the U.S. and three from Canada. Each week we met on Zoom to discuss our goals, progress, and explore topics like photographing our work, writing artist statements, pricing and more. An online platform allowed us to share work, post photos, ask for feedback, share resources and thoughts and, most importantly, support each other throughout the 3 month journey.
From the start, the residency challenged us to think deeply about our vision. As part of the application process, I outlined what I hoped to accomplish during the 3 months. Once accepted, we refined these goals, focusing not only on our art and recording our ideas and thoughts through sketchbooks and notebooks, but also on self-care to sustain our creative momentum.
I began in earnest to meet my goals, determined to stick to my plan, producing a piece I called Reflections (pictured below), using my usual sew and slash technique, and another I called Grounding. By week 3, however, I realized I should slow down a bit and not just produce work, but also experiment more. I think I was starting to sense I needed to venture a bit out of my comfort zone.
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| Reflections - the first piece I created during the residency, and based on a photo of the movement of the reflections of the water in a river near me |
One long-standing goal I had that was not originally part of my vision for this residency, was to explore making vessels. I had made a few in the past, but hadn’t dedicated much time to studying their structures. During the residency, I allowed myself to side-track and create a couple of vessels, a detour that proved meaningful, and aligned with my overall theme.
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| One of my new vessels. During its creation, I sought and receive wonderful input and insights from The Enso Circle community |
Goals, many of us discovered, often evolve. Paying attention to what captivates us in the moment can be just as important as following a set plan. Inspired by this realization, I created two pieces—one a large-scale work, fulfilling a desire to a tackle bigger project, and another using Tyvek, a material I’d worked with in the past but hadn’t fully explored. Both fit seamlessly within my theme.
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| Layers of fabric and heat-distressed organza and Tyvek, based on the reflections of water in a river |
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| Letting Go, my large scale piece, with 5 layers of linens and laces. |
Throughout this residency, I was also teaching gelli printing on paper. My own direction for this medium took a new turn with much experimentation on fabric, then enhancing with stitching and other embellishments Although not part of my plan these too contributed to my residency goals.
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| A gelli print on fabric, with stitching added |
Midway through the residency, I returned to my signature sew-and-slash technique, creating a series of 7”x7” monochromatic samples which could potentially become part of a larger piece. I pushed myself to take these to the next level, venturing beyond my comfort zone while staying true to my artistic voice.
While I did not follow the exact map I had originally created, I have realized that was okay. The Enso Circle encourages us to adapt and experiment, listening to our voice, and elevate our work in ways we would not have otherwise pursued. The constant support and inspiration in this group kept each of us motivated and open to new possibilities.
This experience has been a gift, challenging me to stop playing it safe and pursue more meaningful goals, and with an energy I had not felt for several months. The residency - and the community we built together - reminded me that the creative process is as much about exploration and growth as it is about achieving set objectives. And for that, I’m immensely grateful.
One wonderful benefit of the residency was the production of a catalogue of some of the work of The Enso Circle residents from this fall, which can be viewed here: https://www.theensocircle.com/
Enjoy.
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