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BLENDING Newsletter Issue 5 Year 2 - Palazzi / FUA - AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012

Image courtesy of David Andre Weiss

FINAL SUMMER ISSUE

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

By Blending Staff Our final summer issue coincides with the month of August, a period of important transition, preparation, and departures. For this issue, we’ve decided to share some unique reflections from students and their experiences here in Florence – those who have found themselves whisked into the contemporary art scene, an intern at Florence’s most famous enoteca, those who have found a special community in Florence. The end of summer in Italy is a poignant time of the year for greetings and goodbyes whether for vacations ending or new seasons beginning. The following stories are less “news” and more “summertime reflections” at the closing of the FUA 2011-2012 academic year, and we strongly hope that the incoming students of the 2012-2013 season gain inspiration and insight to their just-starting Florentine journey.

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THE ARTS

Insides Out

By Faith Barton

without the stone-2, 2012, Kali Nikolous

Photo courtesy of Faith Barton

My first experience meeting Kali Nikolous, F_AIR’s current artist in residence, proved to be the beginning of a journey beneath the surface of the contemporary art world in Florence, a surface I had barely scratched during my semester studying abroad here.

Along with her and Lucia Giardino, the curator of Florence Artist in Residence, I attended various and sundry art exhibition openings in Florence and outside of the city, experiencing for the first time a taste of the contemporary art scene in Italy. My involvement was largely relegated to the peripheral – I chose to keep my eyes and ears open but was too intimidated to probe further. This position as art outsider began to shift in a profound way as I spent more time with Kali, listening to her discuss her ideas for the exhibition, and then by participating in the actual production of her work. I have been living in a foreign country for the past six months, always an outsider, but it was through my relationship to Kali, similarly an outsider, that I found myself becoming an art insider in a manner that felt very close to home.

The relationship between Kali and F_AIR can be illustrated in her work, Do It Right When No One Is Looking, though the concept behind the piece is not specifically a commentary on this particular studio. Yet the influence of this space, and the people who work here, has been integral to the construction of the work, both physically and conceptually. Art is often placed upon a pedestal, made inaccessible to all except the enlightened few, the artists and the critics, and in a place like Florence, where contemporary artists are thrown aside in favor of preserving a past long dead, it is difficult to break this barrier. Watching Kali develop her work within the confines of F_AIR, working within the space and with Lucia, made me realize that art does not, and cannot, exist in a vacuum, and neither does the artist. Moving all of the materials from the studios of F_AIR into the exhibition space in the front of the building, one of the most ‘hands-on’ ways I found myself involved in the production of this piece, felt much like gutting some kind of mythical entity. This space, where I have spent so much time trying to create something new from the few materials I had, and still very much feeling the sense of ‘outsiderness’, Kali has turned inside out, using everything that was already there to expose and illuminate the bare bones of this structure – in the process, an outsider herself, she has brought me to the inside. From here, I can see the way relationships (and friendships) between artists and curators form and affect the work, and that art is not static or unattainable, nor does it need to be ancient to be valid.

Instead, it is a thing that lives and breathes, much like you and I.

Still-life-3, 2012, Kali Nikolous

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Final Parting Words

By Arthur Kozlovski

It has been a strange two years.

Two years that weren’t dictated by any linear thoughts or actions promoting a single career choice or goal, but rather quick, important decisions that ultimately shaped me as an individual. It began with my first attempt at studying abroad in Spring 2010, with Florence University of the Arts. Coming from a science background, I was able to explore the arts in a completely new environment, within a culture unknown to me. Of course my studies were coupled with my fair share of fun, but what Florence taught me the first time around is that if I wanted to change, I needed to create it.

Heading back to the States, my goal was to redefine the importance of art at the predominantly science-based university of Stony Brook. And so I did by creating largescale art exhibitions that involved the participation of not only art students, but those involved in the sciences as well. With the show expanding exponentially in terms of participants and audience every semester, I decided to part ways with this newly established tradition and head back to Florence for my final semester. I knew I’d come back, but never this soon. And so I embarked with a new mentality in mind – to share my experiences and give back to the community that changed my life indefinitely.

And so upon arrival I tried to get involved immediately, searching for community service through FUA. Before I knew it, I was writing about the contemporary art scene in Florence, interviewing artists, and heading to press conferences. In addition, I began creating a guide on how to enjoy the Florentine food, culture, and entertainment on a college-student’s budget. Being a psychology major, I never wrote for my classes, nor was I ever so involved with the arts. And all of a sudden I am working with some of the biggest artists and institutions in Florence. I attribute all of these successes to a few simple reasons…

Reflecting upon the past two years, my chaotic road to success can be characterized by a few significant points. I advise the courageous, ambitious, and curious student to take note of these simple facets in order to achieve whatever successes he/she decides to pursue.

I have learned that: - Success isn’t defined by a single standard, and neither is opportunity. Search for both in unexpected places, areas that you are willing to study. Fear is great motivation when exploring the unknown.

- Don’t be afraid to talk or to ask. No one will ever know your ambitions if you don’t express yourself. Your actions

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are only as good as your words when encountering new people and exploring new options.

- Take what you are given, and be thankful. People take note of how grateful you are, and would be willing to help even more in the future if you respect their gratitude.

- Never let go of your contacts, for they are your connections to different facets of the world. Networking constructs paths that go a long way.

- Above all, get lost and live now. You are young and free. Worry about your debts later, and see, feel, and breathe while you are here.

All of this is said not for nothing…

After the end of my last semester in Spring 2012, I was awarded a scholarship to tour with high-school students as a Residence Assistance, which gave me the opportunity to live an few extra months in Florence. In addition, I was able to explore the other side of university life (faculty relations), and be more closely involved with students than ever before. And now I am writing this from Abruzzo, where I am working with an artist in residency group on publications.

But of course I couldn’t have arrived here without the help of Palazzi and Florence University of the Arts. I owe my thanks to Grace Joh and Lucia Giardino for giving me the opportunity to work for several publications in Florence. Thank you to Sara Ceccarelli, Cosimo Bargellini, Ivka Markovic for being three of the most entertaining, creative, and inspiring professors I have ever encountered. I thank Melissa Rossi for leading me on the path of community service, and Mina Chakmagi for giving me consideration for the scholarship. And of course, I would like to thank the successful and oh-so-amazing Student Life Department, in particular Kandace Phyall, Cristiana Gallai, and Francesca Tassinari, for establishing great foundations for all students who come abroad to seek experiences similar to mine. My utmost gratitude to the entire faculty who I didn’t mention, and who have made FUA the strong university it has grown to become. I will truly miss working with all of you, and once again I thank you for all of the wonderful opportunities and advice you have given me.

To all of the new abroaders – Work a little, live a lot, and never be afraid. Opportunity exists in every corner of the world, just be open to all of it.

And I leave it at that.

But this is not a goodbye... …Ci vediamo presto!

With all my heart, Arthur

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THE ARTS FOOD & WINE

Community, Culture and Gastronomy, Italian-Style

By Alyssa Miller

I remember my first week I read that it is not good to limit yourself by eating at the same few restaurants in Italy. I want to take this time, to claim the opposite. I eat in the same few restaurants and I feel that I was adopted in Italy.

I have had my exploring and adventures, but I enjoyed routinely going to the same places. I am highly allergic to milk, and as a vegetarian my food options are limited.

I found “Dolce Vegan” my first week in Florence. Before you turn the page, this article is not at all about veganism.

It is about how I found my vegan host family that in a way takes care of me. The restaurant owner knows me and somehow knows when to give me a little extra tiramisu or cheesecake. I know everyone at that restaurant. The staff has seen me on my good days, and homesick days; even checking on me later to see if I am better. I cannot claim that I am a local now, my Italian is horrible, but I feel that I have found my place in Florence. Just a few days ago, a tourist stopped me and asked in Italian for direction.

I remember thinking with my pale skin and blonde hair, “Do you really think I am Italian?“ But then again, I was carrying groceries, and tourists don’t buy groceries. I am somewhere in between a tourist and a local. The guy at my favorite vintage shop knows me and is very friendly. I also spent an extra 15 minutes in Nomination just talking to the woman after I paid. I honestly almost want to go back, just because it was fun to talking to her.

she then pulled out a taller vase. It had thick glass with an intricate cut pattern for the light to form prisms. “How much is it?” I asked. “No, too much” she replied “How long you here?” I told her I was here for another month.

“When flowers die, you bring me back my vase, you understand?” After going back and forth a bit, I convinced her to let me borrow a cheaper vase. I live a mile from her shop. I was too concerned that my sweaty hands would drop this heavy glass masterpiece that was over €100.

She was more concerned that the flowers would die without water by the time I got home. I thanked her several more times, and I carried the ceramic vase home. Only in Italy would this happen. And it would never happen if I didn’t get to know the people here. I like that I have found a way to integrate myself into the community; and by the smiles I am greeted with, I feel that I not only made myself a home, but I am welcome.

I do have to go back to “Dolce Vegan” though, because they have made such a huge impact on my trip. There are vegan versions of Italian classics and typical vegan options. I am a horribly picky eater, and the vegan cheese is just as rich as real cheese. If it weren’t a vegan restaurant, I would have panicked that they made a mistake and I ran to home to find Benadryl. I think it is also the atmosphere of the place that I love. The restaurant is cozy; the owner’s dog is almost always waiting for me to pet her. There is no cover charge, so you walk over to the counter, place your order and they call you when your food is ready. In broken Italian and English we talk.

I got a surprise on Tuesday. My boyfriend at home sent flowers. A huge bouquet arrived at the DIVA front desk, a little wilted. I quickly ran around trying to find a vase.

I went into a few cheaper stores and with no luck I wandered into the little antique shop. The woman recognized me immediately and I explained the situation. She got so excited when I told her my boyfriend sent me the flowers.

She then pulled out a gorgeous glass vase. It was too low;

Image courtesy of Palazzi FAIE

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A Slice of Academic Life at the Apicius Wine Department

By Coral Sisk South Seattle Community College student Coral Sisk shares her insight on wine learning at Apicius. Keep reading to find out about her internship experience at Florence’s premier enoteca.

I recently concluded my 3-week intensive course on Tuscany and its Wines at the Apicius wine department of FUA. As far as the last days are concerned, we did some amazing last minute cramming on Super Tuscans (whose name was invented by Robert Parker) and a survey of the documentary Mondovino - which discusses the globalization of the wine industry while including the controversial “Parkerization” of wine rating. During the last week, we were also expected to give final presentations on a project concerning an assigned Tuscan wine. The wine assigned to me was Morellino di Scansano, and I learned this wine is very similar, if not more superb in quality to famous names like Chianti Classico and grows in a very unique area of Tuscany which allows more heat and proximity to the ocean to create a full bodied, jammy, chewy food-friendly wine; at about half the cost in some cases. I learned so much about wine makers, wineries, terroir related to this wine that I wish I had done a paper/presentation on every wine in Tuscany so I could know these ins and outs as I have done with the Morellino! The presentation went well and I learned quite a bit from my classmates’ respective assigned wines. Also, the Morellino wine has most of its fame by a female winemaker who lead the DOCG consortium and produced the 1st DOCG vintage of Morellino di Scansano in 2007, this winemaker is Elisabetta Geppetti and is renowned and respected in the wine world. Go, women in wine!

The last day before exams also included a crash course in food and wine pairing where we discovered that a Chianti Classico pairs lovely with Tuscan prosciutto and pecorino toscano (a hard sheep’s milk cheese loaded with the delicious 5th sense taste “umami”). We also had to learn and absorb Vin Santo, a Tuscan sweet passito wine (made from dried grapes and has notes of buttery caramel and vanilla) goes quite well with biscotti di prato (little luscious almond biscotti) and dark chocolate. I mean, finals week was rough but I think we survived.

Not all is over, I started my hands-on internship, as part of the Apicius program, in one of Florence’s most historic wine cellars that in the last 3 years also added a wine bar that I am able to practice some of my food and wine pairing training in.

Interning at Florence’s Best Enoteca

By Coral Sisk Have you ever taken a language course? I have. There is nothing more challenging than taking courses on a language and then not having the opportunity to apply it. In certain senses, learning any subject is a matter of memorization and then practice - like a language. So after taking a 3-week intensive course on Tuscan wines, what should you do?

Well, intern or be thrown in head first into the field (or both). I have to say, it is the best way to have complimented my studies. Back home, it is safe to say that a good majority of our wine market is based on European wines and so it’s sort of surreal to be interning in an enoteca/wine cellar that shops in America mostly hope to imitate. My internship is at Enoteca Alessi, situated on the medieval street Via Delle Oche for the last 40 something years. It boasts its success in having the most comprehensive and vast wine cellar in the historical center.

My day to day, is learning basically the ins and outs of what its like to work not only for an Italian business but for one that is so historic and is located in one of the greatest tourist destinations in the world. In my first week, I learned the

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Image courtesy of Coral Sisk

ropes of serving wine in a bar setting, making thoughtful food pairing suggestions (figs and prosciutto being on the top of my list), and learning about the best wines to suggest to tourists wanting to bring some Italian juice home. I am at a huge advantage with my internship for several reasons. First and foremost, I speak both Italian and English. I am able to flex my customer service muscles to the English-speaking clients which is something I strangely enjoy. My other advantage is that I’ve worked in similar environments before, working in places like Metropolitan Market and Whole Foods Market, so I can cut straight through the training chase and just learn about the cornerstones of what this applied practice is trying to teach me - and that is to communicate wines while understanding wine business and the wine bar culture in Italy.

I spend my days completely besides myself - that I am shadowing and interning in one of the best enotecas in Florence, selling Italian wines, learning how to talk about them, how to merchandise them while learning how to pair them with some of Italy’s richest treasures like cheese, salumi, truffles, tomatoes, and fruits.

I’ve been able to get creative at home, behind the bar I observe the most creative and charming Antonella create some of the best bruschetta and mini panini this girl’s ever set her palate on. One thing she made that blew my socks off was apricots filled with robiola cheese (a soft sweet yet tart cheese) and topped with balsamic glaze and pine nuts. I made this at home on top of a plate of radicchio and arugula salad and with a glass of Vermentino and it was absolutely splendid. I wish I had a photo to show but try it at home! Here’s a makeshift recipe (good for one, double or triple for guests):

• Take 2 fresh apricots and halve them.

• Spoon in a 1/2 tablespoon or so of Robiola cheese or something comparable, as your local cheesemonger.

• Take some pine nuts or pieces of walnut (if pine nuts are expensive) and wedge a piece or two in the cheese

“stuffing”.

• Now, make a salad of romaine, arugula and radicchio and drizzle some olive oil on top with a pinch or 2 of salt.

Maybe even a dash of pepper.

• Lay the stuffed apricots on top of a bed of salad, throw a couple tablespoons more of walnut pieces in the salad and finish with a drizzle of a balsamic vinegar glaze and enjoy with a class of crisp white wine (preferably from Tuscany).

I also learned how to run the registers and how the inventory/pricing system operates in this Italian enoteca (It’s more interesting than you think, really!).

A presto, ciao!

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STUDENT VOICE Alum Krystal Modigell shares her final thoughts on her Summer 2012 study abroad experience, as well as some do’s and don’ts that may come in handy for the Fall Semester.

Reflection

By Krystal Modigell

Every day was different. Every experience seemed tangible. Every laugh was cherished. I breathed in the rapid city life and exhaled my experiences.

Now that I am back home and settled into my usual routine, I realize how precious my time in Florence truly was.

As an international student, looking back, I do not have any regrets. I traveled the country, saw the tourist attractions, explored the churches, and ate the traditional dishes. But, I do believe there was one way I could have made my stay more memorable.

In my quick six-weeks living in the city, I took it for granted. I did not look at the Duomo every time I walked by the beautiful marble. I did not sit at the cafe, enjoy my €1,20 cappuccino and watch the people pass by. I did not stop to be entertained by the street performers who make their entire crowd laugh.

And I was walking every day and night.

I wish there was a way to have stopped. Stopped time, and drifted through the city. In this moment of daze, I could weightlessly stare at the churches, people and streets respecting their existence and history.

Why I did not sit on a stone sidewalk and enjoy the buzzing life around me, I will never figure out.

However, I encourage all students in the city to do so. Sit for a good amount of time at the outside wine bar next to the Santa Croce and enjoy - take in all the city has to offer. There was something about the atmosphere in Florence that allowed me to see how a culture thrived on happiness and friendship.

My largest realization from studying abroad is how little I thought I understood about people. All we have is each other in nature.

I did not learn from my trip, but from the city itself. Florence told me to be open-minded, to follow my instincts and to enjoy living.

I hold on dearly to my memories, embracing them, hoping not to forget any piece of the marvelous city.

Do’s & Don’ts

By Krystal Modigell

Do act on impulse. If something is pulling you in, go.

Do wander the streets. With friends, of course. Live like a local.

Do have a couple favorite places. It is good when locals know what you will order.

Do enjoy different cuisines. Live a little and take a chance - I promise, you will love it.

Do take advantage of the help offered. Ask your professors questions about the culture.

Don’t have any regrets. Do whatever you want, whenever you want.

Don’t travel too much. There are several treasures in Florence.

Don’t buy fabric softener. It won’t help and will only stain your clothes.

Don’t go out every night. It is important, but your health comes first. Don’t get sick.

Don’t forget to buy yourself souvenirs. You will want some Italian shoes or scarves.

Blending Newsletter Supplemento di Blending Magazine reg. Trib. di Firenze n째 5844 del 29 luglio 2011 Anno 2 - Numero 5 - Agosto/Settembre 2012 Editore Florence Campus per INGORDA Editore Via Alfonso La Mamora 39, 50121 Firenze Redazione Corso Tintori 21, 50121 Firenze Tel. 055-0332745 Stampato in proprio Blending Masthead Editor-in-Chief: Matteo Brogi - Senior Editors: Grace Joh, Rebecca Valpy - Copy Editing: Blending Staff Layout Editor: Alberto Simoncioni Blending is a monthly newsletter created with and for Palazzi FAIE students, in collaboration with the Student Services Department of Palazzi.

For information contact g.joh@palazziflorence.com - www.palazziflorence.com

www.palazziflorence.com - www.fua.it