Blending Newsletter June-July 2013

june_july 2013

Newsletter

Issue 4 - Year 3 | Palazzi/FUA | june-july 2013

Andria (from The Invisible Cities Project)

BREAKING NEWS

by Blending Staff FUA Project on Calvino Presented at Academic Conference: Interview of Simonetta Ferrini

The liberal arts and digital imaging interdisciplinary project based on Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities was presented at the “Intersections” academic conference in Torino on June 7 and 8, 2013.

The conference was sponsored by N.E.V.I.S. – NeMLA, Georgetown University, California State University, and The College of New Jersey’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The project involved Prof. Simonetta Ferrini’s Contemporary Italian Literature class and Prof. David Weiss’ digital photography students, and was first presented at NeMLA in 2011.

BLENDING Bersabea (from The Invisible Cities Project) Photograph by M. Vasquez

Prof. Ferrini had the honor of presenting an expanded version of the project this year in Torino, where it was received with great enthusiasm for its originality and didactic innovation. We caught up with her after the conference for her comments and impressions.

How did the project begin?

I had been using the book in my Contemporary Italian Literature course for a few semesters and each season triggered different perspectives and positive responses.

Yet I felt that the book deserved more than an in-class analysis and discussion. Due to the highly intricate connection to visual images and multi-layered meanings offered by the texts, I asked my photography colleague David Weiss to collaborate on an interdisciplinary approach to the book. The first output of the project was a literary review for Blending Magazine featuring my students’ writings and his students’ photographic interpretations, intended to generate new modes of exploring Calvino through the imaginative, reflective, and creative sides of our students.

What are exactly the invisible cities?

They are 55 imaginary cities (each identified by a female name) that unfold in front of the reader’s eyes. The cities are recounted through the visionary, highly fragmented narration of explorer Marco Polo, a subject of the Chinese emperor Kublai Khan. The cities are divided into 11 categories of 5 cities, each numbered from 1 to 5. The categories speak of cities in terms of memory, desire, signs, thin cities, trading cities, eyes, names, the dead, the sky, continuous cities, and hidden cities. A complex wonderland, filled 2

with fairy-tale atmospheres, fantastical futuristic buildings, mysterious and elusive characters, and every imaginable kind of merchandise: a wonderland that readers are invited to visit in order to undertake their personal journey through the obscure, hidden places of the individual and collective human experience.

What was the process like for the photography class?

David Weiss found inspiration in the American photographer Jerry Uelsmann. A forerunner of photomontage, Uelsmann created images by assembling multiple negatives in up to seven different enlargers to expose a single print decades before Photoshop existed.

Prof. Weiss shares, “My challenge as an instructor was two-fold. First, to get the students on the right track and to think of the final body of work as an ‘alchemy’ of the photographic process. Secondly, the students briefly shifted their attention from photography to literature and explored as a group how to turn Calvino’s text into imagery by breaking down a city into its vital components. This proved to be challenging because the Cities were left up to interpretation. Some were easier to visualize and therefore easier to create, others entailed months of planning. I had limited time to teach photographic techniques and tricks while pushing the students beyond their limits and expectations. I have to say the final outcome was spectacular surprise.”

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What links the writer Calvino to the photographer Uelsmann?

Our classes worked on the palimpsest concept (a manuscript in roll or codex form, carrying a text erased, or partly erased, underneath an apparent additional text). Calvino (1923-1985) and Uelsmann (b. 1934) are united by the idea of a multi-layered stratification of possible meanings and suggestions for the interpretation of reality. Calvino was fascinated by the intrinsic potential that any image can have in stimulating the writer’s creative process: ““In devising a story [...] the first thing that comes to my mind is an image that for some reason strikes me as charged with meaning, even if I cannot formulate this meaning in discursive or conceptual terms. As soon as the image has become sufficiently clear in my mind, I set about developing it into a story; or better yet, it is the images themselves that develop their own implicit potentialities, the story they carry within them.”

(Italo Calvino, Six Memos For The Next Millennium).

Ueslmann, on the other hand, is convinced that the power of the mind to create and manipulate reality is superior to that of the eye, and that photography

Photograph by C. Connolly

can capture and give life to the virtual reality created by the mind. Exactly like Marco Polo does in Invisible Cities. In our case, the dialectical intersection between the two expressive forms (literature and photography) perfectly served our needs and enhanced our students’ creative potential. The results speak for themselves.

Trial Version Puts Fine Arts Students to the Test by Lucia Giardino Think Florence is only historic and that contemporary art is hard to find? Think again, FUA events and initiatives will upturn this theory. The art departments at FUA, in collaboration with the F_AIR residency program, seek out what the city has to say about art today and involves its students in the art scene. Take the pop-up exhibition, for instance, that took place on Friday, June 14th, at a former late-night industrial bakery in via delle Ruote 1/A just a few steps away from F_AIR.

sofronia (from The Invisible Cities Project)

Since 2011, a group of young and enthusiastic art professionals have started a creative and sustainable business called Trial Version. With their mission, geared towards

the three principal concepts of cooperation, autonomy, and nomadism, they bring contemporary art events to stores, workshops, and offices that that have been closed in order to serve as a stimulus to creatively reengage business activity.

This vision is extremely relevant in light of the current worldwide crisis. We like to think that the hidden message is that art can work as a propeller for entrepreneurs who think outside of the box. This is why we, FUA's School of Fine Arts, have embraced the project and participated in I Lottatori (The Wrestlers). This recent show brings two young artists, Marco di Giuseppe and Fabrizo Sartori, together in an exhibit curated by Trial Version and Chiara Ruperti. On opening day, the artists were supported by our art students who came from varying home universities and artistic backgrounds, and contributed to the project with their artistic talent.

The outcome of the opening session remained on display until Tuesday, June 18th, from 5.00 PM to 7.30 PM. 3

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The students were thoroughly enthusiastic about being included in Trial Version's performance for I Lottatori. Post-event feedback will be released in detail on the F_AIR website and FB page, while some initial comments have reflected the impact on the students. Cameron Lucente, when describing the emotion of participating in an art project abroad, states, "It's been absolutely fascinating! I have always been told to take every opportunity available to me, and to be a part of a project such as this is a great experience! In addition, I have never taken part in an art event other than school art shows. The idea of drawing alongside established artists is amazing. Plus, the connections made and practice gained will be very rewarding."

Photos courtesy of L. Giardino

After a photographic show held in March at a pet shop that went out of business, I Lottatori is Trial Version's second 2013 event in Florence, made possible thanks to the support of the City of Florence for “Creatività in Azione 2013.”

Trial Version is represented by: Marco Di Giuseppe, Michela Lupieri, Valeria Mancinelli, Elena Mazzi, Stefania Rispoli, and Rosario Sorbello. We would like to thank the group for involving our student community, in the pure spirit of FUA's cultural mission.

Participating FUA students and professors:

Unnar Ari, Ailed Albarran, Sarah Brinson, Thomas Harty, Cameron Lucente, Ann-Margaret Stahl, Jamie Funderburk, and Prof. Nicoletta Salomon. Furthermore, the project involved, from Austin Community College, Prof. Sydney Yeager and students Billie Buck, Debora Nance, Adrian D. Zamora, Cherise Duncan, Akber Ansar, Becky Jolin, Jon Beall, and Cathy Castelberry.

ART

Museo Marino Marini

by Linda Hoang

Photographs by L. Hoang

Museo Marino Marini may not be as popular as the Uffizi or Accademia, but this underrated display certainly deserves just as many visitors.

The museum serves to showcase the many works of famous Italian sculptor, Marino Marini. Born in 1901 in Pistoia and passed away in the year 1980 in Viareggio, his lifetime was dedicated to creating sculptures inspired by Etruscan art and Arturo Martini’s sculpture, 4

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Horse. Throughout the majority of the museum, you will find several bronze sculptures that resemble the shapes of feminine bodies, men, or horses. You will also find several paintings that mimic the statues. Not only does the museum showcase his art, but the top floor of the building also holds an art auction full of interesting photography by a variety of artists. The bottom floor showcases artwork by Matthew Brannon, Nicola Martini, and Alberto Salvadori. My photos give a sample of the art you will find there and if you have not yet visited, you must! For students, entrance is only 3 euros which also includes access to the Rucellai Chapel on the side of the museum. I would highly advise anyone to visit and look at the art Museo Marino Marini has to offer. It is affordable, not a tourist trap, and has some of the most interesting exhibits that one can see when in Florence.

MUSEO MARINO MARINI Piazza San Pancrazio, Firenze +39 055 219432 www.museomarinomarini.it Monday: 10 am - 5 pm Wednesday-Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm Closed on Tuesday, Sunday and on public holidays

Beauty is in the angle of the beholder: Review of CCC Strozzina Exhibition

by Julie Takvorian

The age old question about beauty is one which many have struggled to define for years. At the Centre for Contemporary Culture Storzzina (CCCS) in Palazzo Strozzi the current exhibition, An Idea of Beauty, covers a wide variety of interpretations on the subject through aesthetic expression.

Eight contemporary international artists examine the subject through an artistic lens via short films, paintings, photography, and installations. Each piece is accompanied with a general description of how the artist sought to portray their personal ideals of beauty. The layout and contents of the pieces engage visitors psychologically and physical as well as encourage personal reflection on the notion.

Alicja Kwade is a captivating minimalist artist based in Berlin

who fascinates viewers with her simplistic style installation presentations of everyday objects.

In her installation, Teleportation, Kwade provides a basic environment with common objects used out of context in order to manipulate and encourage viewers to look at things from all angles. Physical interaction with the piece is conducive to ‘shedding light’ on new ways to interpret what we encounter every day. The installation itself reflects 5

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the main ideals of the exhibition which are to encourage others to explore the idea of beauty through art.

Community involvement in the exhibition is encouraged not just in from a viewing standpoint, but also from a creative standpoint as well. The museum poses the question to viewers, “what is your idea of beauty?’

In return, they offer the opportunity for onlookers to take part in the exhibition by sharing their own individual opinion on the subject matter.

Participants are asked to send in a pictuinre with a brief written description about their own understanding of the subject. The hope for the project is to create a puzzle displaying the many differing interpretations of beauty as a collective and whole aesthetic piece of art.

For more information on the details of this project check out www.strozzina.org.

Palazzo Strozzi Piazza Strozzi, Firenze until July 28th, 2013 Tuesday-Sunday: 10 am - 8 pm Free Thursdays: 6 pm - 11 pm Monday closed.

Photographs by J. Takvorian

FASHION

Ely.B. Featured at FLY

by Cami Nezam

Photographs by M. Hamersma

After our recent coverage of the Spring 2013 fashion event Le Printemps: A Spring Liturgy, Cami Nezam shares with us the details of Ely.B. creations showcased and on sale at FLY. Not every young designer gets to see their work showcased in a fashion boutique in Florence. Emerging fashion designer, Ely.B, Eleonora Bruno, went against the grain by following her “passion for fashion” no matter who doubted her success.

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After attending fashion school in Florence, her talent was noticed, which lead to Bruno being selected for Vogue Talents 2012 as well as being named the emerging designer

by H&M Awards 2013.

The Fly fashion store of FUA's FAST department spotlights Ely.B. Eleonora Bruno’s collection, Important Hats For Intelligent Minds, specializing in headpieces and uniquely made hats. Immediately upon entering the store, pops of bright colors from Ely B’s collection undoubtedly catch your attention.

Her avante garde headbands

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distinguish themselves from other typical accessories.

The intricate detail embedded in every single piece makes her collection stand out among the rest. Each of her headpieces comes with a promise that “The headpieces are entirely handmade one piece only, and the process of the creations is all Made in Italy.” Thus, proving the uniqueness of each hat. When the hats are purchased they are placed in a box and wrapped in tissue paper with a tag that reads, “the headpiece inside your box is from the Jungle Capsule Collection SS13.” The Ely.B. collection at the Fly fashion store is truly one of a kind and not to be missed when shopping in Florence.

Find out more about Ely.B. at: www.elybeleonorabruno.com.

food & wine

Summer Interview Special: Student Team Members at Ganzo and Fedora

by Blending Staff

This summer we’re excited to introduce four unique students who have become involved at Ganzo and Fedora – the creative learning labs of Apicius that are open to the public – through experiential learning and Serve & Learn programs.

Photo courtesy of the students

Wenye Li (China) is a professional culinary student who sought out to sharpen pastry skills.

Cody Durbin (USA) is involved in advanced event coordination and production at Ganzo.

We caught up with them for a four-way interview to find out how these experiential learning programs integrating service opportunities are contributing to their future careers in the field of gastronomy.

Michelle Pichel (Philippines) was involved at Ganzo and is now assisting with Apicius academics.

Hyeon Ji Lee (South Korea) assists the managerial staff at Ganzo.

What do your daily duties involve?

W: I assisted the head pastry chef and sous chef with daily dessert preparation for the Fedora shop display, Ganzo desserts, cake orders from customers, etc. My duties switched up with the arrival of visiting pastry students who took academic courses at the Fedora lab. I helped with the mise-en-place and demo cakes for their program.

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C: My daily tasks involve me in planning menus with Chef Trapani and helping with menu prepping at Ganzo.

I will also assist with prepping and making sure things run smoothly for a Regional Italian Cuisine course.

M: I assist with the lunch buffet for a group of visiting students and preparing the dishes for Food and Wine Pairing classes at Apicius.

H: I help the Ganzo staff with analyzing and organizing our daily wine service. Testing for visual, olfactory and taste aspects is important. We check our cellar inventory and are involved in service set up, guest relations, and meal service.

What are some of your favorite elements of being involved at Ganzo/Fedora? The more challenging ones?

W: I appreciated the individual responsibilities I was assigned to. For example, finishing the desserts according to the chefs’ instructions, for the professional Fiorentina soccer team. This opportunity was of great inspiration and excitement for me. As a "freshman" in the pastry area, all new tasks and items are a continuous challenge.

C: My favorite part of the day-to-day operations would have to be the elements that I have not been exposed to before. The technical elements are rewarding when I can soak in the composed techniques that the restaurant will use on a daily basis. I love to cook, but interacting with and getting to know the wide range of individuals that I meet on a daily basis is also a plus.

The challenging part of my time at Ganzo would have to be getting used to the individual methods of team members and their varying abilities.

How do you feel connected to the Italian community and professional culinary/baking industry through this experience?

W: Local interaction in terms of customers usually happens at the front of the house. I was mostly involved in the back of the house, where I interact with Italian professors and international students. The Learn & Service program held at Fedora and Ganzo differs from regular academic courses because the learning offers a step closer to the professional industry.

C: I feel connected to the local area because every time I mention to a local where I am studying, they know exactly where I am talking about. Not only is the word-ofmouth reputation rewarding, the mentality here of local production and consumption is a trend that is catching on back home. Knowing where food comes from is rewarding when I interact with each and every customer.

M: Being able to cook dishes from the different regions of Italy allows me to try diverse products and cooking methods. Learning traditional dishes and the Italians’ great passion especially for regional dishes is extremely interesting and inspiring.

H: I devoured many books on Italian cuisine before coming to Florence. Through my culinary career program at Apicius, I learned about the Italian dining culture. Now that I am involved in the Learn & Serve summer program before my culinary program resumes in the Fall, I see in action what I discovered in books before departing for Florence. It’s a wonderful sensation, seeing it in real life!

Any specific discoveries or learning perspectives you've gained thanks to being in a professional environment?

M: Being able to cook with the best ingredients possible and utilizing the beautiful and spacious kitchen, cooking diverse dishes, and experiencing cooking in a professional setting. The challenge is knowing that there is zero or a very low margin for errors because we are dealing with the public and therefore every single ingredient has a cost.

W: Organization and realizing its importance in the professional kitchen. Given the numerous ingredients to deal with, timely ordering, proper stock, and organized sorting are essential. I also improved a tendency to run short on time, and this experience made me understand that I should focus on specific considerations and consequences before beginning starting a task.

H: I truly enjoy explaining our wine lists to guests and the challenge is getting over feeling nervous for more difficult explanations. A beautiful moment for me was when I checked in with a guest who was tasting a wine I had presented. He responded, “It’s great, exactly how you explained it!” I am definitely pushing myself to study harder.

C: I have learned from Chefs Trapani and Siciliano how we can utilize products in a very down to earth way that I have never studied before. Like using ends of the Parmesan wheels that are usually thrown away, to flavor and enhance sauces. The list of discoveries continues, and I think my time shadowing both chefs will prove to be invaluable.

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M: You have to create daily the perfect conditions to perform at your best; your mind and body should have the right presence. It's ok to ask for instructions, and we don't have to be afraid to ask how to do certain things because there is a team to count on. I’ve learned to be humble and take criticism positively, and that managing time wisely is very important.

H: The professional environment is totally different from the classroom. Learn & Serve programs have us interact directly with customer satisfaction, I feel the responsibility. Dealing with complaints or effectively explaining food and wine cannot be absorbed from sitting at a desk. It must be experienced and practiced, which may seem like a small detail, but it may not be easy to realize until you’ve actually been through it.

What's it like to collaborate with an international group of students and faculty members?

W: I’d like to do more events such as the Capannelle wine resort management project, which lasted for 3 days in the Spring Semester and engaged both international students and faculty members.

C: So far I have been able to interact with three different groups of visiting students totaling to about 50 students and with a number of local students. It’s rewarding to help facilitate their learning process with any information that I can lend, and to absorb information by asking them questions. The time here will turn out to be an incredible chance to refine my management skills, my people skills, and to rediscover my passion for cooking.

M: It opens up your world and exposes you to different ideas, personalities, and cultures. I like meeting people from countries I've never been to and hearing about their life stories. Immersing yourself in a very different environment and learning how other cultures do things and live their lives is both a beautiful experience and a blessing.

How do you feel that this experience will benefit your future academic studies and careers?

W: As I just started my culinary studies this past Spring Semester, this summer pastry-focused experience will be a great reference for choosing my future career.

C: This experience will give me a leg up on my competition and a chance to analyze problems, people, and cultures on a new level. The program gave me years worth of experience wrapped into a very short time. I hope to find future success in the areas of management and event planning and preparation. This experience will give me a new outlook on the common problems that my industry faces, which involve breaking out of the box to utilize every sense as you engulf yourself in a culinary experience at the table.

M: I've always dreamed of having my own Italian restaurant one day and being able to learn and practice Regional Cuisine. Understanding the passion behind it gives me a big advantage already. Also, being in a professional atmosphere gives me more confidence for making my dreams come true and facing the real world because we all know it's very tough out there right now.

H: Learning and understanding front of house practices and wine knowledge helps my culinary arts studies.

Since BOH and FOH can commonly run into conflicts at restaurants, I believe that a good chef should know front of the house procedures very well. The time spent at the Learn & Service program will be worthwhile for my future career in the kitchen. In Italian cuisine, the marriage of food and wine make the two elements inseparable. I am using this time to become more familiar with pairings and to apply my knowledge to create the best pairings possible.

Photo courtesy of W. Li

H: Collaborating with an international group is awesome. Even though we speak different languages or come from different cultures, mentalities, and traditions, the advantage is learning how to think differently when problem-solving.

Sous Pastry Chef Cristian Casini, Wenye Li, Pastry Chef Simone De Castro at Fedora.

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travel

Travel by Culture Immersion

by Kaylia Eskew

Kaylia Eskew shares the ins and insider perspectives from the Cultural Introduction to Italy week-long travel program at FUA. Italy is a country with a rich background, dating to centuries ago. It is home to some of the greatest artistic masterpieces and is world renowned for its food and wine. Coming to a place like Italy is the opportunity of a lifetime that allows people to walk in the shoes of thousands of people before them.

Students who come for FUA’s short summer programs, such as the three-week program, get a chance to experience the Italian culture in Florence, but it leaves little time to explore elsewhere in Italy.

For many this students this is the only viable option. So they must take in as much culture as possible in their short time in Florence.

However, through the Cultural Introduction to Italy course offered at FUA, students are taken on a 1-week whirlwind of history, food and culture. The goal of the course? To teach students how to become active visitors and to help create an understanding of culture beyond stereotypes.

Students who embark on this journey are led by a guide through the school and are introduced to a wide range of historical and cultural aspects that Italy has to offer.

Starting in Rome students move amongst the overly crowed streets and, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, they come upon some of the world’s oldest history. They are taken to the Colosseum, Forum, 10

Roma (Città del Vaticano), Vatican Museum.

Capalbio (GR), Giardino dei Tarocchi (Tarots Gardens).

Photo courtesy of Chiara Spagli

Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and other key historical sites that Rome has to offer. History comes to life as you walk through the some of the world’s most ancient artifacts.

Learning from a book, is one thing.

Here students walk were gladiators once defended their lives, they see the homes of the Vestal Virgins, whose one goal in life was to keep an eternal flame burning, and they connect with millions of people as they make a wish in the Trevi Fountain.

They continue their trip to the Vatican and through St. Peter’s Basilica. Through the tour the students are taught the history and effect that religion, specifically Catholicism, has had on Italian art, history and people over centuries.

The devout Catholics who travel thousands of miles to make a pilgrimage to this sacred spot are seen and as they pray it is visible that this place is more than just a building, but a place that welcomes millions of people home.

Ancient art is not the only art to be seen. While exploring the Giardino Dei Tarocchi (Tarot Gardens) by Niki de Saint Phalle in Capalbio, Tuscany, students are introduced to a new form of art. It is a contemporary form of art, unlike anywhere else in the world. The garden welcomes its visitors into their own childhood imaginations.

While this course does focus a great deal on the past, there is still much influence on present day Italy and the lives of modern people.

Students are introduced to the Cittadella del Carnevale, the home of numerous floats that compete in the city of Viareggio’s (Tuscany) annual parade.

Many of these floats express the state of Italy. Some designers show this by commenting on economical standards, others by using clever satire of political leaders.

Not to be forgotten, the course also allows students to become familiar

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with traditional food and wine of the Italians. Through the Tuscan countryside students are given a lesson on what it takes to create wine, followed by a unique wine tasting, introducing them to the subtle characteristics that make a fine wine.

Throughout the trip students are taught the importance of food and through each meal a greater understanding of the Italian food

and the importance of eating with others is learned.

Before concluding the trip the students are taken to the Marble Quarries in the Apuan Alps (Tuscany). Providing a unique view of mountains special to Italy. The vast blocks bring the reality of all the work that it takes to create the sculptures located throughout Italy.

While this course is ultimately a class with lectures, homework and

grades, much like any other course, it becomes so much more for the students who embark on it.

The course throws students in to the heart of Italy with little adjustment period. It teaches them to stand on their own feet and adapt to others.

It allows the years of sitting in a classroom being lectured about world history to become reality and that is something no textbook can ever give you.

Student voice

Volunteering for Terra Futura

by Kelsey Wonderlin

I had the privilege to spend my first Friday in Florence volunteering at Terra Futura, an environmental festival that took place May 17-19.

I volunteered at the tent of Legambiente, which translates to “league for the environment” and is the most widespread environmental organization in Italy.

With “terra futura” literally meaning “the future of the Earth,” themes of the festival included conservation and natural production of food. Many farmers and small business owners set up tents to sell their “biological,” (organic) products. The best part? Almost every vendor offered a free sample of their food.

I spent hours strolling from booth to booth tasting the freshest and richest of organic Italian foods. The marmalade tasted as if the creator had taken an apricot and smashed it up, adding nothing else to produce its sweet, fruity flavor. I could taste the fresh lemon juice and the avocado in the guacamole. In the chocolate, I could feel the texture of minerals and real coco, as it did not melt in my mouth but instead broke into pieces, each releasing extracts of its flavor. I also savored organic versions of olive oil, biscotti, pastries, pig’s head meat, pesto salsa, tofu, cous cous, hazelnut spread and chocolate fondant spread. Even foods familiar to me, like cheese and bread, tasted so much less processed than they do back home. This is because almost every vendor at the festival grows and produces their product on their own farm or in a small factory.

It was neat to chat with each vendor and learn a little about the process of making the food (and brush up on my Italian). Being at this authentic event made

Photographs by K. Wonderlin

me feel like I was getting to see a truer side of Italian culture – it was more than just taking a tour around the tourist-y city center of Florence or learning Italian recipes in class. And while it was definitely a different experience for me, I found myself realizing that people aren’t so different after all. Italians like to attend events like Terra Futura in their community. They run into neighbors and friends here and chat. Teenagers hang out in groups because they have nothing else to do. And Italians care about issues like the environment.

As for all the free food? The point was to show people that organic food can actually be good for the environment and taste good in your tummy, too. What can I say? I’m definitely convinced!

Find out more about Terra Futura at: www.terrafutura.it.

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Pondering life. . . or just dinner?

by Julie Takvorian

The daunting questions of life: What do you want to be when you grow up? What do you want to do? Who do you want to be?

These questions are sometimes more easily answered for some than others.

Turns out I am not one of those people.

I am a constant worrier who has felt the strains of internal and external pressure constantly present in my life to mull over these questions sooner rather than later. As an art history and psychology major in my twenties, I am on the verge of finishing my academic career and coming closer to ‘the real world.’ The daunting truth that I don’t exactly know ‘what I want to be when I grow up’ still intimidates me and gives me general anxiety.

Originally, the sole reason for coming to study abroad in Italy was just to fulfill my childhood pipe dream and explore a new country. As I grew up, this simple dream grew more complex as I had added some extra weight to the trip. My hopes were high that by discovering a new country and culture I would discover more about myself.

With the general goal to ‘look for direction’ and ‘take the opportunity at hand to discover myself,’ common phrases I was encouraged to think about, I tackled the first few months with exhausting, but well worth it, exploration. My hope was that in doing so I would gain a little life clarity. The frantic scurrying did lead to a personal awakening in terms of a multitude of new ideas as well as thoughts on new and innovative pathways of life.

When my originally planned time in Florence was about to run out, I found myself feeling quite down and surprisingly anxious. The fact that I

Photo courtesy of J. Tavkorian

was going back to what appeared to me to be my ‘normal life’ left me feeling unsettled; especially since I did not not know whether all I had discovered satisfied the typical ‘questions of life’ I set out to personally conquer. Luckily, I was granted the opportunity to stay and pursue these challenges for longer.

Truly looking forward to this added time bonus, I went about my ways in Florence as if I were a native Florentine.

RA's Abroad

by Linda Hoang and Julie Takvorian

After studying abroad during the 2013 Spring semester at Florence University of the Arts, Linda Hoang and Julie Takvorian were granted the opportunity to remain in Florence for an extra couple of months, working as Resident Assistants for the International High School Program at FUA. The two RAs have been going through a month of intensive training with FUA and their faculty, gaining insight into the inner workings of the University and preparing for the High School Students to arrive. Some 12

Not feeling the touristy angst to run around, I found myself doing simple things such as reading for pleasure.

Cliche as it may be, it was there that the haze of my ‘life decisions’ started to lift just a little bit thanks to the words of Viktor E. Frankl, the author of A Man’s Search for Meaning. He said: “...Success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one’s dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself. Happiness must happen, and the same holds for success: you have to let it happen by not caring about it.”

Needless to say, I took this quote to heart as it gave me personal inspiration and also eased my aching anxiety about having a ‘life’ answer. The general message has helped to put things into perspective that answers will come in due time. During my first few months, I wasn’t necessarily just discovering myself, but I was discovering new aspects of life. My new goal is to not tackle everything looking for a means to an end, but to actually explore life and see what happiness ensues from there. I now try to manage my time and thoughts more carefully and wisely; rather than thinking about what the meaning of my life is, I think about what I want to have for dinner, and what life has in store for me after that.

of the experiences the two have gone through are checking in new summer program students, preparing orientation materials, partaking in FUA affiliated activities, and working especially close with the Student Life Department.

Hoang, a student from the University of New Hampshire and a Tourism Major and Hospitality minor, is excited to meet the diverse group of students arriving and be able to share with them the city that has been her home for the past few months. Takvorian, a student at Fairfield University pursuing a degree in Art History and Psychology, looks forward to working firsthand with the international students and sharing her appreciation of Florence and the arts with them.

In mid-June, the RAs traveled to Rome to meet the first group of nine students coming from the many diverse locations of Mexico, Turkey, The United States, and

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Colombia amongst others. For a week, they traveled around Rome assisting with the student cultural introduction to Italy. Excursions included exploration of the many historic monuments and sites, tastings of local delicacies, and a trip to some of the coastal towns

Armand shares how one popular saying is “time flies when your having fun.” The way he sees it is, “time flies even faster when you’re in Italy.” During his summer experience at FUA learning Italian and focusing on the Florentine food culture, he gleaned important observations and reflections on completely and fully experiencing a new culture.

In due time all the questions I had about Italy were answered, and from my experience the best advice I can give any student studying abroad is, “jump out of your comfort zone.”

There is nothing wrong with getting lost during the experience.

If you get caught up too much in

in Italy and the Tuscan countryside. Eventually the group will returned to Florence where the students began taking summer courses. The RAs are currently helping to integrate their students into the culture and country they have come to love.

Tips & Reflections

by Armand Sepulveda

Courtesy of A. Sepulveda.

weekend and accidentally book two trips during the same weekend…hey we all make mistakes. You can simply flip a coin to choose.

You learn that things are done differently because Italians have a completely different culture and way of thinking. Chances are that they look at you just as differently as you see them! This is something that should be embraced.

You have to learn to enjoy every

discovery you make along the way, even the little ones.

The day will come when you realize the time here is up and that you may not come back for a few years. The thought of leaving is enough to draw tears from my toughest friends. I will have tons of experiences to tell my friends back home, stories and life lessons I will share one day with my children, and most importantly, a perspective on an entirely new culture. One thing that brings me comfort is that no matter where I go or what happens to my future path, I know that I will always have my second home in Florence.

FACULTY VOICE

Matteo Brogi’s Photography ExhibIted in

by Blending Staff Toronto Photo courtesy of M. Brogi

FUA Faculty member Matteo Brogi has been invited to display his work at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, Canada. The exhibition is entitled Unconventional Portraits (In Their Shoes) and is presented in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute of Toronto to celebrate the city’s Italian Heritage Month.

The portraits come from a project series that unfolded over several months. Each represented shoe finds its identity, whether purposely or by chance, in its wearer.

Matteo applies an unconventional approach to portraits by focusing the camera lens on the subject’s shoes and seeking to give away an element for a psychological interpretation of the 30 featured characters. The work is inspired by casual instances, ideas. While they certainly

may find a starting point in the world of shoes and Italy, the images don’t necessarily aim to present a particular symbolism and Matteo hopes that “every viewer can find his or her own.” Matteo’s background spans photography, writing, journalism, and teaching. He is specialized in photography related to portraits, travel, gastronomy, and lifestyle. He consults for various sectors in the publishing industry and has been working as a reporter for magazines and commercial clients since 1995.

Unconventional Portraits (In Their Shoes) 327, Bloor Street West - Toronto, ON The exhibition will run from June 5th to September 2nd Mon/Wed-Fri/Sat: 10 am - 5 pm Thursday: 10 am - 8pm; Sunday: noon- 5pm

For further information on the Bata Shoe Museum please visit the website: www.batashoemuseum.ca.

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BLENDING

Faculty Focus: Thomas Brownlees FUA Conference Team Member

by Mylena Chavez Photo courtesy of S. Mancini

This interview features Prof. Thomas Brownlees, the music and performing arts academic coordinator at FUA. This year he is involved in the organization of the yearly FUA / SUNY Stony Brook academic conference along with fellow colleagues Luca Bucciarelli and Nora Takacs.

He shares here with Blending a few deeper insights on the significance of this year’s edition.

What will the annual conference itinerary consist of?

The conference is a two day event that will take place on November 8th and 9th. The theme of this year’s conference is “Florence: A City of Many Appetites.”

To maximize the media impact, this year the event will feature a press conference a few days in advance. This is also the first year the conference will take place at the FUA main campus. The conference will feature panels of speakers discussing historical and contemporary concepts of humanities, sciences, and arts. There are four domains pertaining to the appetite of Florence in which the speaker can choose to discuss. The conference is designed to create an opportunity for scholars and students to discuss intriguing ideas and create an engaging environment for academic speculation.

What will be the topics of discussion?

With the theme of the appetite of Florence in mind, our speakers will lead discussions concerning the innovation, energy, and creativity in Florence’s heritage, the social and economic aspirations in Florentine history, and Florence’s contribution to culinary and enological culture. In addition, special focus will be given to the figure of Machiavelli, whose book The Prince, is celebrating its 500th year anniversary. Machiavelli’s thoughts and actions were driven by ambition and therefore one of the domains will be the discussion of the ambition and power from The Prince to contemporary politics.

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Who will participate in the conference?

The conference is first and foremost for FUA students. We try to develop the conference’s program in correlation with the academic departments that the students are following.

Our second group of participants will be the academic scholars who are selected to speak on our addressed topics and those who are interested in contributing academic discourse. And finally, the conference will attract members of the Florentine community interested in partaking in prominent discussions with prestigious speakers.

What does the theme represent?

Appetite is something with which we can all relate, from many different perspectives. In the sense of intellectual ambition, it can represent striving to explore one’s identity and enrich one’s values. It is a part of our innate instinct as human beings for survival. We exercise our appetites not only through physical actions, but also through intellectual competition. Machiavelli was one who gained greater personal satisfaction using intellectual development to master his environment. In The Prince, he discussed how a statesman should think ten steps ahead of his competitors and to always expect the countermoves of your opponents. This is something that I think is very charming, ambivalent, and perhaps unsettling, which is why I think it will be interesting to discuss. We will speak about sociology in Florence and how the particular framework of society has a lot of contemporary elements.

How was the theme selected?

Mitchell Davis, Vice President of the James Beard Foundation recommended the theme. Mitchell is extremely creative and collaborative in helping develop projects with Apicius. He suggested that appetite and ambition are analogous concepts. The conference committee then collectively developed an expansion of the concept by constructing a wide variety of appetites for discussion.

Who is contributing in making the event a success?

The conference is made possible through the collaboration of Florence University of the Arts and SUNY Stony brook. Scholars from SUNY Stony Brook will also be contributing to the panel discussions. Nora Takacs, Special Event Coordinator, is heavily involved with the logistics of the conference, along with students from her Special Event Management class. Students from other selected classes will be able participate by presenting on panels and taking part in discussions. Meals will be prepared by Apicius students.

NEWSLETTER

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FACES & PLACEs Photos by Linda Hoang

close-ups Linda Hoang continues her photographic research on the en-Visible theme that she explored for the latest issue of Blending Magazine (Spring 2013).

STUDENT LIFE

Fit-walk 'Pian dei Giullari' Come get fit and enjoy the gorgeous sights of the Tuscan countryside on this brisk 6km hike through the hillside of ‘Pian dei Giullari.’ This small and charming village contains cypress and olive trees nestled among the beautiful hills that once housed the jesters of the Middle Ages who entertained travelers and locals alike. Hidden gems within the area include ‘Villa Il Teatro’ where jugglers, mimes, and comedians performed during the fourteenth century and the villa in which

Galileo Galilei lived his last days in exile. The Pian dei Giullari Fit-walk is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city center by traveling through the picturesque Tuscan countryside that many do not often get the chance to see. Student Life will offer two Fit-Walks, the first on July 5th and then again on July 26th, both start with a meeting point at Diva at 9 am. The group will travel up the winding roads to Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte before arriving at Pian dei Giullari and then continue through the country roads that lead to Poggio Imperiale, Forte Belvedere, Costa San Giorgio. The group will finally

finish, sweaty but happy, in Piazza Santa Croce. The Fit-walk will last approximately two hours if the pace is kept fit and steady. And remember, exercise is scientifically proven to cause great happiness, so join us!

If you would like to get fit and enjoy breathtaking views, sign up by emailing studentservices@ palazziflorence.com no later than Thursday, July 4th by noon. The fitwalk will take place on Friday, July 5th at 9:00am.

Fit Walk: Pian dei Giullari Friday July 5th 9 am Meeting Point: DIVA - Via Magliabechi, 1

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BLENDING NEWSLETTER

Redazione / Masthead

Supplemento di /

Direttore Responsabile /

Supplement to Blending Magazine

Editor in chief

Reg. Trib. di Firenze n° 5844 del 29 luglio 2011

Matteo Brogi

Anno 3 – Numero 4 – giugno/luglio 2013 / Year 3 - Issue 4 - June/July 2013

Caporedattore / Editorial Director

Editore / Publisher

GRACE JOH

Florence Campus per INGORDA Editore Via Alfonso La Mamora 39, 50121 Firenze

Coordinamento Editoriale / Managing Editor

Sede editoriale /

FEDERICO CAGNUCCI

Editorial Headquarters Corso Tintori, 21

Redazione testi / Copy Editor

50121 Firenze

JESSICA VOLPE

Tel. 055-0332745 Progetto grafico e impaginazione / Stampato in proprio /

Graphic design and layout

Printed in house

FEDERICO CAGNUCCI

Blending is a newsletter created with and for students of Florence University of the Arts, the academic member of Palazzi FAIE. The newsletter collaborates with the Student Life Department and Development Office.

For information contact: blending@palazziflorence.com

www.palazziflorence.com www.fua.it