As we begin a new year, we're revisiting one of our most encouraging conversations on I Like Your Work—my interview with artist, author, and educator Lisa Congdon. Lisa's story is a powerful reminder that there is no single timeline for becoming an artist. She didn't begin pursuing art seriously until later in life, and her career unfolded through persistence, curiosity, and a deep commitment to learning. In this episode, Lisa shares what it was like to start later, how she built confidence in her work, and how she navigated the fears and doubts that often accompany a creative path. This conversation is especially meaningful to revisit in January, a time when many of us are reflecting on where we are, where we want to go, and whether it's "too late" to begin or begin again. Lisa's honesty and generosity offer reassurance that growth happens in its own time, and that showing up consistently matters more than starting early. In this episode, we discuss:
- Starting an art career later in life
- Letting go of comparison and imagined timelines
- Building confidence through practice and curiosity
- Creating a sustainable creative life
- Giving yourself permission to evolve
LINKS:
https://lisacongdon.com/
Follow Lisa on Instagram @lisacongdon
Lisa's books:
Art, Inc: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist
Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic (Art Book for Artists, Creative Self-Help Book)
A Glorious Freedom: Older Women Leading Extraordinary Lives
I Like Your Work Links:
Apply to the Chautauqua School of Art Residency Program: art.chq.org
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Apply for our Spring Open Call: Deadline February 15: https://www.ilikeyourworkpodcast.com/submitwork
Pre-order our catalog: https://www.ilikeyourworkpodcast.com/resources
Have a question you want Erika to discuss in a mini episode? Email it to ilikeyourworkpodcast@gmail.com with the subject "mini eps" Join Erika in Italy at Umbria Contemporary Arts this Summer: https://www.umbriacontemporaryarts.com/product-page/the-symbolic-landscape-instructor
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Information
- Show
- FrequencyUpdated Weekly
- PublishedJanuary 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC
- Length43 min
- Season8
- RatingClean
