From Design to Raw Creation: Nicole McMahan

Tulsa Studio Tour Artist Nicole McMahan in her studio.

Inspired by her carpenter father, Nicole McMahan uses installation art and furniture design to take her from the technology of design into raw creation. Her new work combines her interest in patterns with her connection to wood through bright colors.

McMahan has her BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Tulsa, and has her own design studio, look ma! creative, where she has designed publications for organizations like Living Arts of Tulsa. "Graphic design is about solutions," she says, "The challenge to solve what begins as a thought and create a visual piece from that is very satisfying to me. I love the process from start to completion. And I love generating ideas; not just new ideas, but also improving on ideas."

Nicole McMahan, Trailer Park Tongue/no. 01/Home, circa 1977, Mixed Media, 36x40x36"

With her background in design, her primary work is in print media, but she explores and incorporates painting, furniture design and installation. "The tangible outcomes of both design (printed piece on paper) and other media (installations, furniture, mixed media) give meaning to my work and tremendous satisfaction," says McMahan.

She has exhibited in OVAC’s Concept/OK with an installation based in trailer park culture titled Trailer Park Tongue/no. 01/Home, circa 1977. "This piece began as a very conceptual idea that I was unsure of in its final form," says McMahan. "Instead, I approached it as a personal work for myself, yet it turned into an engaging piece for others to formulate their own ideas and thoughts"

Her studio is decorated with a wall mural drawn by her own children, a must see for any visitor. 

Meet & see the working studio of McMahan along with 9 other artists on April 20-21, noon until 5 pm on the Tulsa Art Studio Tour. For more info, or to purchase tickets, visit www.TulsaArtStudioTour.org.