20×200 + west elm: Lisa Congdon

Much of Lisa Congdon’s artwork centers around her collections of oddities and ephemera — everything from rubber erasers to game pieces is celebrated in her engaging work. In her print for west elm’s collaboration with 20×200, Lisa photographed a small segment of her collection of hangtags and tickets.

Tags by Lisa Congdon. Frame: 16″ x 12.5″; mat opening 14.25″ x 10.25″.

ARTIST Q&A: Lisa Congdon

Tell us about your work:

On January 1, 2010, I began a project that would span exactly one year, until December 31, 2010. For every day, I photographed or drew (and occasionally painted) one collection. Since I was a young girl, I have been obsessed with collecting and with arranging, organizing and displaying my collections. A Collection a Day was my attempt to document my current collections, both the real and the imagined. The only rule: I had to post a photograph or drawing of a whole or part of a collection each day for 365 days.

How do you live with art?

Both my home and studio are filled with art. I have been collecting art for about 10 years, and the art in my home has become an integral part of my decor. It gives my home character and interest and makes it really unique.

What is a favorite gallery or museum that you particularly love or that inspires your work?

I visit the SFMOMA regularly. I am so lucky to live so close to a place filled with both incredible modern work from the past century and also with experimental work. Looking at other people’s art makes me think about my own work in new ways.