March 2011

Interview with Lisa Congdon: Illustrator, Fine artist, Crafter + Collector

I’m so excited to share this interview I just did with the talented Lisa Congdon. Her book A Collection a Day just launched. Lisa illustrates for a range of clients from stores to books. She also shows her fine art in galleries. I am not sure where she finds the time but she’s also a cyclist. I’m drawn to her bold/expressive color and rich textures. Check out her blog, pick up her book and read this interview… without further adieu:

When you were little what was your favorite material to use?

I wasn’t much of an artist when I was a kid, so I didn’t touch many art supplies except in school–and even then I thought I was a horrible artist! I didn’t actually start painting or drawing until I was in my early 30’s. So when I was little, my creative outlet was sewing and I loved working with a needle and thread. I’d make clothing for my dolls, mostly. My mom is a textile artist so I grew up around a loom (she was a weaver when I was a kid) and we did lots of sewing and crafts.

Do you still like working that way?

Up until about four years ago I was a prolific sewer. That’s actually how I got my start as an artist–I was making quilted pillows and soft birds and selling them. A few of my designs were published in magazines and books. As I was consumed with sewing, I caught the general “maker” bug and started to experiment with collage and then finally got really into painting and drawing. It was the painting and drawing that stuck for me and that was the most compelling. I still love to sew but now that I am so busy with illustration I don’t have enough time for it. My sewing machine is sadly getting a little rusty!

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