Patricia McMahon
Therapist, Graphic Artist, Actor

Newsletter: October 24 – November 6, 2018

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
I work as a therapist in my downtown private practice. I am also a freelance graphic designer and I occasionally work as an actor (when I make time)!

How did you first become interested in art?
My first interest in art was as the family clown. I was the youngest of a large family of six children. For comic relief, I enjoyed dancing and making everyone laugh. I also took ballet lessons and loved to paint.

I danced in productions and choreographed some of my own shows with a performance art group in San Francisco. Eventually, I studied improvisation and became part of an improv group. I studied at Groundlings Improv School.

I chose a career in graphic design as my “bread and butter.” It incorporated my love for art in general and eventually I combined that with my love for music, by working in the music publishing industry, designing ads and book covers.

As graphic design became less fruitful, I decided to pursue another career: Psychotherapy. Therapy can be a very creative process and I enjoy it very much.

While in college a family member encouraged me to take an arts honors course that included fine art, dance, music, and theater as part of the curriculum. I loved it all!

How can art enrich a community, and what are some ways people can become engaged with art?
Art can enrich a community by inspiring people to express themselves. As adults, we sometimes forget how to play and create. Being exposed to art can bring inspiration to create.
People can become more engaged in art in Burbank by supporting local theaters and art organizations. They can also support local merchants that sell personally handcrafted products. Parents can support their own and their children’s creative pursuits by taking dance, music and art classes.

If you could share with our community one thing about art, what would it be?
The power to create is a power that every single person has. Not everyone has tapped into their power, but if they search hard enough, they will find it.