Interview
Tina Nordén
Tina Nordén is a Swedish artist based near Stockholm, who combines a minimalist, textural aesthetic with a warm, contemplative presence. With a deep reverence for nature and raw materials, she works primarily with fallen autumn leaves, preserving their fragile beauty through a slow, meditative process rooted in craftsmanship and sustainability. Drawing on her background in medicine, Nordén embraces the principles of biophilic design - creating art that nurtures a meaningful connection with the natural world to support wellbeing and environmental awareness. She consciously integrates imperfection into her work, viewing it as an essential language of depth and nuance. Her art is a quiet invitation - a return to stillness, reflection, and the profound relationship between humans and nature.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I’m based in Sweden and have a medical background. My journey into the art world was never planned - it unfolded slowly and intuitively, much like the natural materials I work with. During a period of reflection, I found myself turning to nature for comfort and clarity. As I walked through the forest, I began collecting fallen leaves - fragile, yet full of untapped potential. What began as a grounding practice gradually became a source of creative energy. For the first time in years, I felt a quiet spark of curiosity return - my spontaneity began to flow, and I was drawn into a process that felt both ancient and entirely new. What started as a simple gesture evolved into an artistic practice rooted in restoration, wonder, and reconnection.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“At its heart, my work speaks of restoration and reconnection - of materials, of self, and of our relationship with the natural world. It’s an invitation to slow down and care for what we often overlook. Through the lens of biophilic design and sustainability, I aim to inspire a renewed reverence for nature and explore how that connection can be profoundly nurturing. In an age of fast consumption and ecological disconnection, my art is a quiet offering - a call to make more conscious, meaningful choices and move through life with deeper intention. Influenced by my Scandinavian heritage, my design approach favors minimalism and simplicity. To me, this is not about absence, but presence - choosing what truly belongs, creating gentle balance, and allowing space for the mind to breathe.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“My process is a blend of intuition and extensive research. I spend a great deal of time observing, collecting, and restoring leaves. At the same time, I delve into the science of preservation, natural materials, and traditional craftsmanship. There’s a quiet dedication behind every piece. Some ideas take months to fully emerge, while others appear in moments of silence and clarity. It’s not about control, but about listening - to the material, to myself, and to what wants to unfold.”
“At its heart, my work speaks of restoration and reconnection - of materials, of self, and of our relationship with the natural world.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I feel aligned with the growing movements around biophilic design and sustainability - both as an artistic concept and a way of living. There’s something powerful happening at the intersection of art, ecology, and emotional well-being. Artists are returning to slower, more intentional methods - embracing thoughtful craftsmanship, natural materials, honoring seasonal cycles, and creating works that are not only visually appealing but felt. I find great inspiration in these shifts and see my work as part of this evolving dialogue.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I work with authentic fallen autumn leaves, collected only after they’ve landed on the forest floor - never directly from the tree, out of respect for their natural cycle. Using a method I developed over time, I restore their flexibility and strength without altering their natural texture or essence. I then assemble the leaves into minimalist compositions, guided by their organic shapes, textures, and subtle imperfections. The process is slow, meditative, and deeply intentional. As a base, I sometimes use acrylic paint on canvas or cardboard to provide grounding. My Scandinavian design roots shape the aesthetic - simple, tactile, and timeless.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Creating is my way of listening - to myself and to nature. It helps me process emotions, rebuild inner strength, and reconnect with something larger than myself. But it also gives me something else: vitality. Through working with my hands and being in dialogue with the natural world, I feel more present, energized, and alive. Each piece becomes a quiet invitation - not just to the viewer, but to the forest, the soil, and the forgotten parts of ourselves. For me, art is a form of care, reflection, and renewal.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“One artist who continues to resonate deeply with me is Hilma af Klint. Her work is bold, intuitive, and rooted in something far beyond the visible. I’m especially drawn to her early series, where she explored organic forms, symbols, and spiritual dimensions long before such themes were accepted in the art world. What inspires me most is not just the artwork itself, but her willingness to trust her inner voice and forge a path no one else could see. As a woman working at the margins of a male-dominated art scene, she created not for recognition but out of necessity - from a place of deep listening. That resonates with my own practice. Like her, I work slowly and intuitively, often led by a quiet pull rather than a clear plan. Restoring fallen leaves and transforming them into something whole again is my way of exploring the invisible threads that connect us - to nature, to ourselves, and to something greater. Hilma af Klint reminds me that true art doesn’t have to conform. It can exist as an offering, a question, or a whisper - and still hold power.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My first exhibition is planned to take place in October, and several exciting collaborations are unfolding. I'm currently represented through Rise Art and SOTA and recently featured in the bespoke Art Seen Magazine.”
Website: www.tinanorden.com
Instagram: @tinanorden.art
