Diana Simon
Homemaker

1) Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
I am primarily a homemaker. I have two small children, ages 2 and 5. Both require special services (speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc.) so managing that takes up a lot of my time. I am also an educational psychologist; I practiced for 7 years before having children.  I stopped when I had my son because he was born with severe allergies and required special care that we didn’t feel we could trust to any one else.

2) How did you first become interested in art?
I have always loved art, and I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in art. I actually received a couple different art scholarships in high school, but in college ultimately became a psychologist because I didn’t see a clear path to paying off my school loans as an artist.

3) How does art enrich a community, and what are some ways people can engage with art in Burbank?
I believe art is integral to any civilized society. It is a form of communication that can be understood in any language, and therefore has the power to bring together a diverse community like Burbank. Burbank is one of the most artistic communities I’ve ever lived in- for every holiday you can find people decorating their homes in fantastic displays, and just taking a walk down San Fernando in downtown Burbank you can see a plethora of street art that you can pose in front of for different effects, or just enjoy. Art is something that people of all ages and creeds can create and enjoy, and that is what makes it both powerful and beautiful.

4) If you could share with our community one thing about art, what would it be?
Art is a wonderful way to connect and communicate with your children. Finger painting together, using chalk on the sidewalk together, making a creative Lego design together, really just CREATING together can help you bond and communicate with your child, even if you’ve never drawn a picture in your life.

To find out more about Diana’s work, follow her on Instagram @artforair