The Heart of the Arts

Today I chat with artist and interior designer Nina Blodau from Limerick. Nina comes from a family of eminent artists and is daughter to Dietrich Blodau, the man behind the spectacular exhibition A Life of Observations unveiled at the Hunt Museum last month. Nina has had a passion for art and design since she can remember, a passion that recently awarded her the winning interior design via public vote on RTÉs ShowHouse series. Owing to her original creativity and craftsmanship, Nina is a highly sought after interior designer, blending modern flair with her own signature artistry.

Q1. So Nina, can you tell me about how & where your interest in art & design began?

Art for me has always been there, not in a posh, untouchable kind of way …but it has always been a part of me. I can remember our living room as a child, and being in my parents art studio; my mum had a big loom for weaving material at one side and my dad had a printing press on the other …and as a designer today, I can’t imagine having a living room without some kind of table or desk for drawing at or just laying out ideas!

On family holidays too growing up, taking your paint box and sketch book was as normal as taking your tooth brush … so I guess the way you are nurtured has a lot to do with the way you grow up, as all those habits like sketching and drawing, especially when you are travelling or developing ideas, have stayed with me since.

Q2. Growing up, who would you describe as your role models? 

Growing up I was surrounded by artists really; Mum, Dad, my brother Peter and my uncles, and of course their friends and people also within the arts school …including my brother’s art student friends. I did not realise it at the time but you I suppose you learn an understanding for the need for art, expression and things that are non-materialistic. As all those people followed their passions not guided by money or a "job title" - many of course went on to be teachers or designers but the start was always the same. The arts, whether it is fine art, singing, or dancing, is something we are all born with …most children love to dance, draw, and hear music …it’s so very important to nurture and facilitate this and also not to focus too much on the result but the enjoyment of the process.

Blodau Artists

Q3. Your father recently unveiled an exhibition of his work at the Hunt Museum in Limerick - A Life of Observations. How has his work influenced yours?

Dad has I suppose influenced me in my dedication to art, mainly that it doesn’t come easy - you must keep working, keep experimenting and not worry too much about the result, as that can only come after a lot of practice, and also I suppose to be as free as you can, in other words mistakes are ok, just try again!

Q4. What would your advice be for younger readers who have an interest in art & design and who may aspire to create a living out of it?

Two things - travel whenever possible, and work with others - that is so important.

Blodau Artists

Q5. 2018 is now upon us! What are your plans for the new year ahead?

Well I now work part time as I have three young children and I try to give them the time and space to be messy and experiment. We also travel to Cuba where their dad is from to meet his family, but also for the art and music culture which is practically at your doorstep there! That, for all of us including myself, is very inspiring. In fact, I always take my paint box and get some time to paint and draw.

Apart from that I’m working on a lovely family home in Clare, transforming it from dark and pokey to hopefully friendly and full of colour and light!

Thank you Nina for the chat!

Check out Nina & her family's website www.blodauartists.com

or check out her interior design facebook page here !