Nina Davidson- Artist
All-time favorite song?
Hard to pick one, but “Because the Night” by Patti Smith is electric. That blend of longing and power, the way it builds—it’s pure passion. Feels like it lives somewhere between a storm and a heartbeat.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A writer or an artist. I wanted to make things that moved people—stories, images, feelings. Something that lasted beyond the moment.
How do you measure success?
Peace of mind, time well spent, and loving connections. If I have those, I’m doing something right.
How do I spend Sunday?
slow, thoughtful, maybe baking something simple and comforting while half-reading a book. The planning-to-rest-and-failing part feels very real though!
Favorite writer / Who inspires me?
Haruki Murakami. His writing exists somewhere between reality and dream, and it always leaves space for silence, for longing. I’m inspired by people like that—who live gently, but deeply.
Most significant plot twist?
Moving to Scotland. It wasn’t planned; it just unfolded. And now I’ve lived here longer than I lived in the country I was born in. It quietly became home
Favorite poem?
“Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver. That line: “You do not have to be good.” Hits deep every time.
Last meal?
A big, slow breakfast with toast, butter, and jam sounds perfect—maybe throw in a good strong coffee and some ripe apricot too.
Given an elephant, can’t give it away—what do I do?
I’d create a sanctuary. Build a little life around it. Learn from it. Probably write about it.
Most cherished belief?
That there’s more good than bad in the world, and kindness is never wasted.
TV/book character mashup for a new story?
Beth Harmon from The Queen’s Gambit and Kya from Where the Crawdads Sing. Two brilliant, self-made women—one from the quiet of the marsh, the other from the noise of competition. I think they’d understand each other deeply, even in silence.
Best friend? How we met?
I have a few. Some I’ve known since we were kids. Some came into my life around the time my second daughter was born. I don’t see them often, but it’s always easy. No drama, no expectations. Just acceptance.
How do I feel about “spiritual”?
It feels like an open sky. Not boxed in by dogma, but full of meaning and quiet resonance.
How have you changed in the last two years?
I’ve learned to loosen my grip on things. To allow space. To not fill every silence.
What did you learn a little too late?
That I don’t have to carry everything. That asking for help doesn’t make me weaker—it makes me real.
First memory?
Light filtering through the curtain while lying on the carpet. I must’ve been three. Just peace and color.
Do you think people are naturally good?
Yes. I really do. Life layers over it sometimes, but goodness is there underneath.
Phrase or saying that rubs me the wrong way?
“Boys will be boys.” As if that excuses anything. Nope.
What is one thing you know for sure?
Everything changes. And strangely, that can be comforting.
Talent night—what am I bringing?
A spoken word story. Maybe with a little music behind it if I’m feeling brave.
A genie grants you the ability to have infinite amounts of one item. What is it?
Time. Unrushed, generous time.
Tips for a good night’s sleep?
Not really—four kids. Sleep is something I vaguely remember. These days, rest comes in scraps: a quiet moment on the sofa, a few deep breaths in the dark, a cup of tea before the next call of “Mum.” You adapt. You find softness in tiny places. And sometimes, that’s enough.
Nina Davidson is a French Photographer living in Scotland with her husband and her four daughters, Ada, Colette, Nico and baby Stella. Her photography is really remarkable, see it here,
You will be happy you clicked :)
she’s lovely !
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