Artist Lisa Congdon has transformed a challenging period of physical recovery into a compelling new body of artwork that showcases the therapeutic power of creative expression. Her latest exhibition, "The Way Through," currently on display at Chefas Projects through August 16, presents 40 paintings that emerged from an unexpected creative journey during her rehabilitation from dual knee replacement surgeries.

Late last year, Congdon found herself unable to commute to her Portland studio while recovering from two knee replacements. As an avid cyclist who typically relied on biking for transportation, the artist struggled with both the physical limitations and emotional challenges of the recovery process. Confined to her home, she turned to working in a sketchbook as a means of coping and maintaining her creative practice during this difficult period.

What began as a therapeutic exercise soon evolved into something more significant. Congdon filled the pages of her sketchbook with images that were cut and collaged using paper, creating a collection of works that would become the foundation for her new exhibition. The distinctive, improvisational quality of these collages captured her attention and inspired her to explore how they might translate into a different medium.

"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," Congdon explained about her creative process during this period.

The resulting paintings demonstrate Congdon's skill in translating the unique characteristics of her original collage work onto wood panels. Each piece captures the irregularities and organic qualities of the original paper pieces, preserving the distinctive scissor cuts and spontaneous energy of the collages while transforming them into vibrant acrylic paintings framed in hemlock.

The collection features works that celebrate the beauty found in everyday objects, with many paintings focusing on singular, mundane items elevated to objects of reverence and playful contemplation. Among the notable pieces is "Tangerines," an acrylic painting on wood measuring 12 by 9 inches, which depicts a blue bowl filled with the bright citrus fruits. Other works in the series include "Otherwise," measuring 18 by 24 inches, "Outre" at 24 by 18 inches, and "Souvenirs," which measures 20 by 16 inches.

Throughout the exhibition, Congdon demonstrates her ability to transform ordinary objects into subjects worthy of artistic attention. The paintings often feature simple items such as a thumbtack and bottle of Elmer's glue, rendered in her signature bold, colorful style that brings new life and significance to these commonplace materials. Each piece reflects her talent for finding beauty and meaning in the everyday world around us.

In addition to the paintings that form the core of the exhibition, "The Way Through" also includes a collection of limited-edition serigraphs that showcase Congdon's distinctive artistic style. These prints feature her characteristic bold aesthetic combined with affirmations, creating works that are both visually striking and emotionally uplifting.

The exhibition represents more than just a display of new artwork; it serves as a testament to the healing power of creative expression and the ability of art to help individuals navigate challenging periods in their lives. Congdon's journey from being physically limited and emotionally struggling to creating a vibrant new body of work illustrates how artistic practice can serve as both a coping mechanism and a source of personal transformation.

For visitors to Portland, "The Way Through" offers an opportunity to experience Congdon's latest artistic evolution firsthand. The exhibition runs through August 16 at Chefas Projects, providing art enthusiasts and casual viewers alike the chance to see how personal adversity can be transformed into compelling visual art that speaks to universal themes of resilience, creativity, and finding beauty in unexpected places.

The show represents a significant addition to Congdon's already impressive body of work, demonstrating her continued growth as an artist and her ability to find inspiration even during life's most challenging moments. Through her honest exploration of the recovery process and her willingness to share this vulnerable period through her art, Congdon has created a body of work that resonates on both personal and universal levels.