Born in Finland in 1992, Nina Tans grew up between Finland, the United States and China before moving to London to study fashion design at Central Saint Martins. Her career began in luxury womenswear, including time at Dior in Paris, before establishing an independent fashion label in London and later completing a Master's degree at King's College London.

 

In 2020, Nina exchanged city life for the Isle of Mull on Scotland's west coast, where she discovered a new creative direction in painting. Today, she works from her studio and gallery in the loft of a historic church in Tobermory, creating intricate botanical watercolours alongside contemporary, sculptural maps.

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Inspired by the natural surroundings of the Hebrides, her work explores the relationship between nature, form and place. From the delicate structures of seaweed and coastal flora to the sweeping shapes of familiar landscapes, her paintings and maps offer contrasting perspectives on the natural world, united by an appreciation for its beauty and imperfections.

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Nina's work has been exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh and Mall Galleries in London, including exhibitions with the RSW, RI and RBA. She is a recipient of the West Dean Bloomsbury Award and has previously received support from the Finnish Cultural Foundation and recognition as a finalist for Finnish Young Designer of the Year.

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Nina continues to experiment with new ideas, materials and larger-scale works, drawing inspiration from both her coastal surroundings and the places she has encountered throughout her life.