Photography by Marisol Da Silva
Before having my daughter, I had only been in contact with a handful of babies – all from a distance. So, naturally, I believed the stereotypes – you know, those about babies spending their first year sleeping, eating and pooping. When I found out that I was pregnant, the learning curve was steep. VERY steep. And the more I learned, the more I realized that my baby was not going to lie there helpless, but was going to interact and learn from everything I was going to present to her; and that whatever that was, would have to be very meaningful.
As a Presidential award-winning Art Teacher, I already used Holistic Art Education philosophy in the classroom. So, at first, I stared by applying what I already knew at home. But as Adèle grew, my personal ideas about parenting and art evolved. Without even knowing it, I started using attachment parenting, natural parenting, mindful parenting, unschooling and worldschooling practices. In the first year postpartum I didn’t have much time to create art, but I did have the time to think and the idea for this blog came out of those ruminations.
Here, I aspire to create an inspiring online space by sharing my ideas, expertise, and experiences in Eco-friendly Art, Holistic Education and Natural Parenting. My hope is that you will find it useful and helpful and that it will give you ideas about making your days with your children more creative. Please contact me if you have any questions, ideas or suggestions at RainyDaySunnyPlay@gmail.com.
A little about me:
*My name is Nino and it’s not short for anything. I was named after Saint Nino so I have a lot to live up to.
*I am a civil war refuge from Georgia – the country, not the state.
*When I was ten, I tried to teach myself Italian because I dreamed of living in Italy. I also dreamed of living in a castle. Life works in mysterious ways because we now live in a real, 15th century castle in Italy!
*My husband, daughter and I move around quite a bit. Because of our bohemian life style we don’t have any pets, but saved and found safe, loving homes for quite a few animals, birds and insects.
*I love collaborations. If you’d like to work with me, send me a note at: RainyDaySunnyPlay@gmail.com.
*I have an MFA in Imaging and Digital Arts and taught Filmmaking and Animation. In spite of this, we do not own a TV and limit screen time use for the entire family. (Adèle is actually being raised with zero screen time and we mostly use computers as tools for work).
*I like products that are sustainable and long-lasting.
*I breastfeed my daughter on demand – i.e. whenever/wherever and am allowing her to self-wean at her own rhythm.
*We don’t have any sugar or sweeteners at home other than rice malt syrup that I use for my daily home-made hot chocolate. While she has never tasted candy nor chocolate, Adèle helps me make it every morning.
***Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, and if you decide to purchase anything from suggested links or companies, I may receive a commission. Recommended products are either things I love using or think would be helpful for you. Making your purchase using these affiliate links helps keep this site running, so thank you kindly!
*I practice Feng Shui
*I love making art for children and with children.
*I received an Award in Art Education from the President of USA. I am also an award-winning, internationally exhibiting artist and my work is in museum and private permanent collections.
*I love making art.
Thank you for reading and visiting my blog.
With warmth and gratitude,
Nino
Photography by Marisol Da Silva
Creative Parenting 