In the atelier with Ms Nathalie.
Hello, I’m Nathalie Fournet — a passionate educator, artist, and lifelong learner. Born and raised in Paris, France, in a vibrant multicultural family, I relocated to Los Angeles in 1997. Becoming a mother to my son, Pablo, in 2005 was a life-changing experience that deepened my appreciation for the magic of early childhood and inspired my journey into education.
In 2006, I began working at a bilingual preschool in Venice, California, where I quickly realized my calling. I pursued studies in Early Childhood Education at Santa Monica College, learning from inspiring mentors who shaped the educator I am today: nurturing, curious, and deeply committed to each child’s growth.
My love for creativity has always been at the core of who I am. As a child, I was enchanted by the world around me and drawn to making with my hands. Over the years, I’ve explored a wide range of artistic media—from drawing and painting to woodworking, natural dyes, sewing, knitting, clay, and wet felting. This creative journey has brought me immense personal fulfillment and a profound understanding of how artistic expression supports children's development, imagination, and sense of self.
For the past 17 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible educators, drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach. This experience has taught me to be a listener, researcher, and collaborator—always learning alongside children, families, and fellow teachers. My philosophy is also deeply influenced by educational thinkers like Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Howard Gardner, and John Dewey.
At the heart of my practice is a deep respect for children as capable, competent, and full of potential. I believe in creating thoughtful, aesthetically rich environments that encourage creativity, exploration, and connection. More recently, I’ve begun integrating elements of Waldorf education and the teachings of Rudolf Steiner—approaches that resonate with my belief in nurturing the whole child through rhythm, nature, and artistic expression.
I am excited to be part of your community and to share my passion for art and education with your children. Together, we’ll build a space of self-discovery, where each child is free to explore, express, and grow through the many languages of art.
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It all begins with an idea. Creativity knows no age limit, and it’s never too early or too late to embrace your artistic side.
THE MANY LANGUAGES OF ART
What We’ll Explore Together
In this creative space, children are invited to engage with the world through their senses, imagination, and hands-on discovery. Here are some of the many possibilities we’ll explore—artistic experiences that honor process over product, celebrate nature, and nurture each child’s unique voice. Many of these art languages follow a holistic rhythm, deeply connected to the seasons, the natural world, and the inner life of the child.
🌿 Eco-Dyeing: Nature’s Palette
We’ll journey into the gentle art of eco-dyeing—beginning with foraging for leaves, flowers, and other natural materials. Through thoughtful experimentation, we’ll explore how plants can infuse fabric with soft, earthy hues. This earth-friendly practice invites children to slow down, observe seasonal changes, and experience the magic of creating with nature.
👐 The Language of Clay
Clay invites touch, curiosity, and deep exploration. In our ceramics journey, we’ll get to know this ancient, tactile material—shaping it by hand, playing with texture, and learning techniques like hand-building and wheel-throwing. Children will transform raw clay into functional, whimsical, or sculptural pieces, embracing the beauty of imperfection and the alchemy of earth and fire. It’s a process that encourages patience, self-expression, and a profound connection to the material world.
🎨 Mark Making & Painting: Expression in Motion
Here, creativity flows freely. Through mark making and painting, children will explore color, texture, and movement using brushes, tools, and their own inventiveness. From layering and blending to splattering and experimenting, they’ll discover their own visual language—one made of lines, gestures, and patterns. These experiences foster mindfulness, confidence, and joy, offering a meaningful outlet for emotional expression and inner exploration.
