Lisa Congdon Translates the Healing Power of Making from Collage to Painting

Late last year, as she was recovering from two knee replacements, Lisa Congdon (previously) was unable to commute to her Portland studio. Typically an avid biker, the artist found the recovery process difficult both physically and emotionally, and she began to work in a sketchbook as a way to cope and create while home. Images cut and collaged with paper filled the pages and soon became the basis for a new body of work.

The Way Through, on view at Chefas Projects, presents 40 paintings that emerge from this period. Translating the distinctive scissor cuts to wood panel, Congdon captures the irregularities of the original paper pieces. “Ultimately, I recognized that the collection of collages was a sort of magic and decided to see what new work could be created based on their wonky, improvisational, pure form,” she says.

The result is a collection of vibrant works that often feature singular objects: a blue bowl of tangerines, for example, or a thumbtack and bottle of Elmer’s glue. In each piece, Congdon transforms the mundane into a bright, colorful object of reverence and play.

In addition to the paintings, The Way Through includes a collection of limited-edition serigraphs with the artist’s signature bold style and affirmations. If you’re in Portland, stop by to see the exhibition through August 16.

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