We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nina Battaglia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nina below.
Nina, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?
Through a combination of personal experiences and upbringing, I’ve developed a deeper sense of empathy, particularly from a young age when I was taught to appreciate the gifts of nature. The act of nurturing a plant that in turn would one day provide me sustenance fascinated me as a child and continues to do so. Beyond the human connection, I find peace in nature—embracing its beauty, imperfections, and cycles. Understanding that I am a part of the natural world, not separate from it, has made me more compassionate and empathetic. This awareness helped me realize early on that, like nature, all individuals are interconnected. These experiences have directly influenced my journey as an artist, where my work reflects on diverse perspectives within the human experience and our connection to nature, with a focus on ancestral and cultural narratives.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m an artist from Youngstown, Ohio, currently a second-year MFA candidate in the printmaking program at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Here, I’m deeply immersed in my research, creating new work, and teaching an undergraduate foundations art course. My work explores the intersections of labor, economics, family legacy, and humanity’s connection to nature—investigating how these elements can influence and shape identity.
As an artist, my practice revolves around storytelling, particularly focusing on narratives that often go untold like those of family members or ancestors whose voices were never heard. Currently, I’m developing a body of work titled Moth-er, which will be exhibited at the Atrium Gallery at Marietta College at the end of the month. This series centers on my family’s legacy of silk spinning, weaving personal history into broader themes of labor and transformation.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most impactful qualities in my journey have been having a strong support system, staying open to continuous learning, and embracing the imperfections in the creative process. My support system has been essential in both my personal and professional life. What inspires me most is connecting with others, and much of my art is created for the people I love and care about. Being able to transform memories and stories into physical and visual works of art means a great deal to me.
Having great mentors has also played a key role—they’ve supported me, helped me refine my skills, and encouraged me to explore new ideas and mediums. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I’ve learned that it’s okay to make mistakes and that you should never stop learning.
My advice to artists and makers is to not be afraid to make ‘ugly’ art. It’s an essential part of the creative process. You get to decide what to share with the world, and revisions are always possible. Ideas evolve along the way, and that’s a part of the beauty of creation.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho has been a significant source of inspiration in my life and artistic journey. I even named my cat after the main character, Santiago! One key message that resonates with me is the idea that we all have a unique path or purpose we are meant to follow. This insight has encouraged me to pursue my passions and trust my instincts, even when the road ahead isn’t clear. The book also emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith, reminding me that challenges are part of the process and often lead to growth. I deeply connect with the idea that there can be comfort in the unknown and that it’s essential to appreciate the journey rather than focus solely on the destination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ninabattaglia.com
- Instagram: ninabattaglia.art
Image Credits
Poem credit: P.W. Fisher
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
