Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Dani
Hi Nina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved to Minneapolis to attend MCAD in 2010. I’m originally from a small town outside of Milwaukee, WI. I’ve always loved drawing and painting since I was a little kid. In college I really dove into abstract painting, the larger the better.
My partner and I have a self converted camper van we take on long road trips across the country. Our adventures have always informed new compositions and color palettes in my studio practice. There’s always something to learn from observing the sky, mountains, and diverse flora all around us.
I cherish the time I get to spend painting in my studio, reflecting on the people and places I’ve been, the memories I’ve made, and the seasons passing. I find that my life experiences inspire me to create. It’s important to me that I’m continually growing and evolving, both in and out of my studio.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Anxiety has been a huge obstacle for me since high school. As much of a hurdle as it’s been, it also is one of the reasons I dove so deeply into the arts. When my mind is too busy, the best medicine for me is diving into an exciting new project. I think that’s why my paintings are so bright and filled with playful shapes, because when things have felt dark at times, my art practice reminds me that life can be filled with so much joy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a visual artist based out of my studio in the Northrup King Building, I would say people know me for a few different things: one is my bright, playful abstract paintings. The other is my pop ups, which I do all spring, summer, and fall. I started back in the summer of 2021 and have met so many amazing people! At my pop ups I sell stickers, prints, hand painted denim, beaded jewelry, and screen printed tee’s.
It’s interesting because I’ve kind of got two different worlds I’m creating. One is my fine art practice, where I’m creating abstract works on paper, canvas, and panel. In this practice I’m using shapes, color fields, and sways experimenting with different compositions.
My other world is inspired by my sketchbook designs, which can be more illustrative and have text, smiley faces, and different symbols. From those sketchbook designs I create stickers, prints, screeen printed tee’s, and hand painted denim. This is the world lots of people know me from, and the one I bring with me to all my pops up.
I think that’s what sets me apart from other artists. I’ve never been one to stick with one medium. I’m always so curious, and I like to think I still have that childlike approach to my art practice. Kids are always so excited to explore and experiment with a new craft. One of my goals is to keep expanding my horizon and keep learning new mediums.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
It brought me closer to my art practice. When everything was closed and there was so much uncertainty and pain, I dove deeper into my set practice to help cope. I think that’s why I would say everything needs an art practice. It’s an amazing way to express yourself when you’re feeling a range of emotions. You can always look forward to a project, and it can connect you to your community too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ninadani.com/
- Instagram: @ninadaniart
