Meet Elizabeth Congdon:
Painter, Ballet Mom, Wife, and Chicken Whisperer (not necessarily in that order). “Lizzie” divides her time between Jamestown, Rhode Island and Nantucket, Massachusetts. She was one of the original founders of the Jamestown Arts Center and is now the Producer of a dance documentary featuring the Island Moving Company , while working on her 2014 Newport Art Museum exhibiton. Elizabeth’s collection of resplendent canvases are a year round staple at Robert Foster Fine Art in Nantucket.
When I was 13, I was the new 8th Grader at an all girl’s school in New York City called Spence. A bright red door welcomed each student into the cozy old school filled with intimate classrooms and colorful hallways. On the top floor was the dining hall decorated with beautiful Zuber et Cie wallpaper portraying North America. An expansive vista of the world rewarded our long climb upstairs every noontime.
Standing outside the kitchen with my tray, I had to ponder the age-old cafeteria riddle: where should I sit? Soon my wellbeing would be further rocked as the 1970’s imploded into my parents 1950’s marriage. The constructs of my childhood were slipping away. Where did I stand?
My parents went on to be married for 50 years before my dad died in 2008. Now married for close to 15 years to a man I love with all my heart, I still wonder, how does love survive life’s intermissions when we also experience disappointment or even hate? How can joy exist in the face of pain?
Returning to Spence for my 30th reunion, I had an unexpected epiphany listening to the new Head Mistress, Bodie Brizendine. A wise and witty speaker, Bodie stressed the importance of nurturing world citizens. She spoke not only of developing skills for conflict resolution, but the necessity of using wisdom and love for conflicts in life which are unresolvable. Although I did think of Palestine and Israel, I also thought of my marriage. The concept of finding respect and kindness within discord resonated with me.
With Bodie’s provocative thoughts burning in my mind, I made my way up to the top floor only to discover that the beautiful lunch- room had been transformed into a dance studio. Dance is now obligatory at Spence! The idea struck my heart, because, as visual art has always been my touchstone, ballet is my daughter’s personal oasis.
Seeing the incredible panorama now encompassing a dance studio unlocked the mystery of where to sit and to stand. It’s how to dance, that comes next. How to find your place in the world, stand up for what you believe and joyfully embrace life -“The full catastrophe!” as Zorba the Greek said – and dance!
I believe that the hardest work through the roughest times demands us to focus on beauty and love. I paint joyfully, not because it’s the only thing I know, but because it’s the only thing that matters, when all is said and done, or struggling along without a perfect ending in sight. So I paint beauty. This is what I have to give.
Elizabeth Congdon
Mary Beth Splaine says
Life, love and always beauty, another fearless expression by the talented Lizzie congdon.
Admin says
We love Lizzie and her paintings. Waiting to see if and how she depicts her beloved chickens on canvas.
Robert Foster says
LOVELY!
Cathryn Croall says
I have known Lizzie for 30 years and have watched her endless talent move forward over hills, through valleys and across streams her creative vision changing minds, hearts, homes, towns. She is a gift to the art world, and all those she encounters.
revka hovermale says
beautiful ! Great meeting you yesterday!!
Liz Byrne says
“Respect and kindness within discord,” so wise. I wish this was going on in every lunch room. Thanks for these lovey glimpses into your thoughts. And thanks for your focus on the beauty.
Lynne says
Brilliant reflection, thank you Lizzie! I love your work!
Alexandra Hope Flood says
So enchanting, Lizzie! I love this!
Thanks for sending and sharing.
I will subscribe.
Best,
Alix
Marisa Ferris says
Lizzie,
Thanks so much for sharing your eloquent insight and thanks so much for thinking of me to share it with.
<3,
Marisa
constance goldberg says
I loved this post Lizzie!
Linda Hamilton says
I’m an old friend of Kim’s… I loved this. (My Mother also went to Spence.)
Would love to see more of your paintings.
Admin says
Click on the link to Robert Foster Fine Art Gallery in the intro, and it will open to a symphony of Elizabeth Congdon oil paintings…one more beautiful than the next!