Listen: Sarah Sturm + Lisa Congdon

A conversation about making art, riding bikes, and the intersection of those passions.

We are big fans of the fine artist/illustrator Lisa Congdon, and when we found out she is also a passionate gravel cyclist we knew exactly what needed to happen. We had to enlist pro gravel cyclist Sarah Sturm, also a talented artist and friend of Lisa’s, to record a one-on-one conversation touching on their favorite topics. Sarah and Lisa both graciously agreed to sit down and record their chat for grav.elle, and it is as interesting, fun and insightful as we anticipated…and then some. We know you’ll also enjoy learning about Lisa’s artistic and athletic journey, and what the bike—and gravel cycling in particular—brings to her life and work. Thanks Sarah and Lisa for sharing your stories and incredible energy with us!

Sarah Sturm is a bike rider, racer and adventurer living in the mountains of Southwest Colorado. She runs her own graphic design business, Oso Creative, and is a coach and mentor. She is well known for wearing a jean vest and shorts during her repeat singlespeed title at the 2019 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championship. (She is also known to finish an entire package of Oreos in one sitting.)

Lisa Congdon is an internationally known fine artist, illustrator and writer. She makes art for clients around the globe, including Target, Amazon, Method, Comme des Garcons, Crate & Barrel, REI and MoMA, among many others. She is the author of ten books, including Art Inc: The Essential Guide to Building Your Career as an Artist and Find your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic. She is the host of the podcast The Lisa Congdon Sessions and she teaches Creative Entrepreneurship at Pacific Northwest College of Art.