145. How the Messy Practice of Finding Your Art Leads to Freedom: Lisa Congdon
interview by Nada Jones
Lisa Congdon is an internationally known, award-winning artist and illustrator. She is best known for her colorful, graphic style and her exploration of themes of joy, liberation, and inclusion. She makes art for clients around the globe, including The Library of Congress, Target, The U.S. Postal Service, Wired Magazine, Amazon, Google, Warby Parker, Method, Comme des Garçons, Brooks Running, Peets Coffee, REI, and MoMA, among many others. Lisa exhibits internationally, including solo shows at Saint Mary's College Museum of Art (California), Chefas Projects (Oregon), and Paradigm Gallery (Philadelphia), along with group shows at Hashimoto Contemporary in Los Angeles, Museum of Design Atlanta, and The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco.
Lisa is self-taught and didn’t achieve momentum in her career until she was nearly 40 years old. Despite her untraditional path, Lisa has achieved recognition, not just as an artist but as a leader in the industry for her work in social justice, mentoring, and teaching. In March of 2021, she was named “One of the 50 Most Inspiring People and Companies According to Industry Creatives,” published by AdWeek. When she's not making art, you can find her racing her bike around the gravel roads of the United States.
In today’s episode, Nada talks with Lisa about finding success later in life as an artist, author, and shop owner. Lisa reflects on the relationship that first inspired her creativity, the time she spent in art classes, and the daily practice that honed her unique aesthetic. Lisa brings an honest and optimistic outlook for what lies in the middle third, as the two reflect on the advantages of grit and determination that accumulate throughout life, helping us embrace the messiness of new endeavors.
Listen on Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube | Or right here!
Be sure to check out Lisa’s book, A Glorious Freedom, and her website for information on books, classes, and her shops. Follow on Instagram: @lisacongdon.
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