NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

ISSUE 2 - YEAR 5 | PALAZZI / FUA | APRIL 2015

NEWSLETTER

CLASSIC PHOTOGRAPHYAT CORRIDOIO FIORENTINO

by Blending Staff

Guided by DIVA instructor Enrica Quaranta's Intermediate Classic Photography course, Spencer and Nikki used the world of portraiture as a starting point to create diverse expressions. Spencer's works, entitled Gioventù (youth), are an on-going exploration of portraits taken with a

large format camera that requires a meticulous and often laborious approach. The theme, which focuses on Italy's contemporary youth, is an interesting contrast to the photographic method similar to the ones used at the beginning of the 1900s. His subjects are shot with the same

As the DIVA/IDEAS campus gets ready for the April 17th final exhibition of career students, starting from April 7th visitors of the Corridoio Fiorentino gallery can explore a pre-show viewing of classic photography projects developed by Spencer Sisselman and Nikki Visciglia.

Photo by Nikki Visciglia Photo by Spencer Sisselman

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Born in the 3rd Century CE in Catania, Sicily, the devoutly religious Agata was martyred at 15 after refusing the advances of a Roman prefect, and she was subsequently adopted as Catania’s patron saint. Her tortures included having her breasts severed—for this reason, she is often depicted holding breasts on a plate, and her annual festival features cassatelle di Sant’Agata, breast-shaped cakes. As her meaning has evolved, Sant’Agata has also become an icon for the fight against breast cancer.Sant’Agata’s presence still permeates the city of Catania and the celebration around her February 5 feast day draws up to a million participants. The silver reliquary, which includes a bust of the saint, is paraded out of the cathedral at dawn and placed in a carriage (fercolo) loaded with candles that is pulled by her devotees—thousands of Catanian citizens from all generations who wear traditional garb. The fercolo is preceded by candelore, 11

FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR

Searching for Saints(Viva!) Sant’Agata

composition; the film is developed in the FUA darkroom and requires a carefully balance use of the dodging and burning techniques to achieve the desired photographic contrasts. Nikki, on the other hand, was inspired by the storytelling elements of Vivian Maier, and used different formats for her portraits including 6x6 and the classic 35mm. The usage of the two formats varies according to the subject matter and storytelling approach of Nikki's images. The larger format is largely used for more intimate self portraits in which time seems to slow down while the versatile 35mm is used for

faster-paced and peripheral images that tie into the overall story. Her film development employs the layout method that integrates blank spaces and pauses that may alternate with words and texts in order to guide the viewer towards a specific direction. All works are printed on high-quality baryta fiber fine art paper, which requires longer development times.

The works will viewed from April 7th to 17th at Corridoio Fiorentino, the photo and design gallery at the DIVA/IDEAS campus in via Magliabechi, 1.

Photos by the author

by Jessie Chaffee

Fulbright Scholar Jessie Chaffee is working with Florence University of the Artsas the writer-in-residence while conducting research for her novel.

giant baroque-style candles decorated with images of the saint and borne on the shoulders of representatives of the city’s craft guilds.In the three days that follow, Sant’Agata tours the sites of her miracles and martyrdom as her devotees—some also carrying burning candles equal to their body weight—pull the fercolo up and down Catania’s many hills, pausing for prayer, children’s reenactments of Agata’s life, epic pyrotechnical displays, and to visit with the crowds of people that line the streets, waving white handkerchiefs and offering prayer cards or candles. On the final morning, the normally-enclosed Benedictine nuns emerge as the fercolo passes to sing to Sant’Agata. In these three days and nights, two phrases echo through Catania’s streets. The call: Cittadini! (Citizens!) — and response: Viva Sant’Agata! (Long Live Sant’Agata!). In Catania, the spirit of this woman from centuries past is still very much alive.

NEWSLETTER

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Photos by Amanda Ricciardi

ART

As student curators we have the opportunity to plan and install the Ganzo gallery exhibitions each month. There are many steps we take behind the scenes to make each exhibit possible.

SPRINGTIME EXHIBITIONS:GIORGIO PAGNINI AND CLAUDIA SIMONELLI

by Jacqueline Krigbaumand Alyssa Severe

First, we meet and interview the upcoming artist to learn about their background, inspiration and artistic process. We then develop a press release that talks about the artist and invites the public to the gallery opening. Next, we create a catalog of the art with our graphic designer that expresses the meaning behind each piece. The day of each gallery opening we dismantle the previous exhibit and hang the new artwork. The evening of the exhibition opening we present the artwork to the public and the artist has an opportunity to share their passion.We recently collaborated with Giorgio Pagnini, an Italian photographer who is currently featured at Ganzo. He was born in Oristano and lives and works just outside of Florence. Pagnini grew up in the Marche region of Italy where he found life to be quiet and normal compared to the busy life of the city. In his hometown, everyone knew each other and had a place of importance. It did not matter if one was rich or poor. These small town ideals led Pagnini to a fascination with Genius Loci. Genius Loci is a concept that focuses on the idea that every place has a spirit. Pagnini studied architecture, and now believes that the history of architecture is not just seeing the buildings but understanding the ideas that generated them as well. He wanted to portray this idea of seeing things in a different way through photography. In 2003, he began taking pictures and realized that photography was a passion in which he could do something meaningful with his life. He believes that the concept of Genius Loci is what

inspired his series Downwards, featured at Ganzo. Pagnini’s photographs highlight the insignificant details of a particular location that only the people living in these places could be able to recognize. Each of his photographs in the exhibition reveal a small facet found in an area.Giorgio Pagnini spends much of his time traveling the world and connecting with the local people. He feels that by forming new relationships with people “you are a part of the world and you are not alone.” Travel and work are important, not purely for money but for the relationships formed with new people. Pagnini even wrote a book about traveling and seeks to understand the differences between his home and each new place he visits. He explains that small pieces of history found in new places fascinate him. “When you look down, you find a piece of history.”The Downwards series of photographs will be featured at Ganzo in Via de Macci 85/r until April 14th, 2015. On April 15th, we will be presenting the work of Claudia Simonelli, an Italian photographer whose exhibition I non luoghi – L'utopia del presente features utopian images extrapolated from daily surroundings. We invite you to Ganzo to meet the artists, enjoy their inspiring art, and try the delicious flavors of the student-prepared aperitivo.

Student Curators:Michaela Bubier, Julia Ennis, Emily Junker, Jacqueline Krigbaum, Alyssa Severe

Buchi Djennä | Holes Djennä (Mali) - 120x60cm Legno | Wood (Grado, Italy) | 120x60cm Indaco | Indigo (Wadane, Mauritania) - 120x60cm

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FOOD

STREEAT: FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL COMING TO FLORENCE

We all know that the wine industry is immense. We also know that there is a great deal of interest in learning about wines, and not just the history and the trivia that may help you impress others. No, there is a desire to learn the finer nuances that make one wine taste better than another. So how does an academic entity such as Apicius help transfer that knowledge to the next generation of wine lovers and transform them into wine connoisseurs? How do wine students assimilate the volumes of facts and figures in order to become wine experts? Firstly, it's important to develop a curriculum that includes classes and seminars, and secondly, the faculty body should represent knowledgeable experts.During the seminars and classes I've taken, I've been introduced to fantastic wineries within a short drive. Thanks to Prof. Coppetti, for example, I enjoyed learning from the

passionate wine producers who took the time from their busy schedules to round out my knowledge. Teaching Assistant Christina Kambanella gave me new strategies to successfully pair dishes with wines. I have also been introduced to wine stores with amazing collections such as Enoteca Alessi and innovative restaurants such as Touch Florence where technology, seasonality of products, tradition, and modern applications are merged to create excellent dishes. All of these discoveries have been possible thanks to the professional network the teaching staff has developed over the years. During one of my classes I had the opportunity to discover a local Tuscan white wine, Vernaccia from San Gimignano. When choosing a topic for my final research paper I focused on this wine, which allowed me to visit the town of San Gimignano and speak with wine producers in the area.

Who is ready to get their “streeats” on? And yes, that is street eats. After two successful years in Milan, the Streeat Food Truck Festival is coming to Florence April 10th to 12th. Feast your eyes and your stomach on some of the best gourmet food trucks Italy has to offer. From savory to sweet cuisines, Streeat Food Truck Festival has it all. Hosted by Barley Arts Promotion, a long standing promoter of concerts and shows, and Good-Food and Events, an up and coming company specializing in food related events, this festival will be sure to please everyone from the hungry tourist to the adventurous Florentine. Located in the Piazzale of the

Cascine Park, it is the perfect way to begin spring on a full stomach. Food will be the main attraction, but the Streat Food Truck Festival offers more than just easy on-the-go delicious food. Workshops, presentations, music, and entertainment will be offered as the perfect side dish. So head on down to Piazzale Del Parco Delle Cascine on April 10th to the 12th to indulge your inner foodie at a unique and innovative dining experience.

Hours: From April 10th at 4pm till 1am on April 12th

More Information: www.streeatfoodtruckfestival.com

by Gabrielle Korn, Keeley Shields, Halli Sigel, Sarah Dawson, Reilly McDonnell, Katherine Tudor

FUA PR Strategies students report on an exclusive food truck event in Florence in the month of April.

WINE EDUCATION: TRANSFERRING VOLUMES OF WINE KNOWLEDGE by M. McKay

A professional culinary arts student reflects on the wine component of her Apicius studies and shares some enogastronomic discoveries gleaned from classes and professors.

Photo by the author

NEWSLETTER

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TRAVEL

I know, someone has to make a sacrifice! I visited the Panizzi winery where the wines come from maturing 35-year old vines, which are considered the standard for the Vernaccia appellation. In fact, Panizzi’s white wine is a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, the strictest regulation). There is no doubt that I’ve been impressed with the instructors at Apicius, who are walking encyclopedias. Pick a “volume” or topic. “Prof. Bartalesi, what can you tell me about the Bordeaux region?”

Take a chair and be ready to take notes. According to my calculations, the combined experience of the wine staff is well over 50 years! No, it has nothing to do with biological age, but it has to do with the years they have spent developing their knowledge, earning sommelier certification, preparing for instruction... Their summarization of volumes of facts, figures, and techniques to wine novices like myself aids in correctly identifying wines and confidently describing wine

characteristics to an audience whether it be family, friends, or customers. So to all wine instructors at Apicius, thank you for sharing your knowledge and helping me to reach a better appreciation and understanding of the wine industry.

Enoteca Alessi: Via delle Oche 27r-31r, Florencewww.enotecaalessi.it/enTouch Florence: Via Fiesolana 18r, Florencewww.touchflorence.comPanizzi: Località Costarella - San Gimignanowww.panizzi.it

Getting out of Florence is always a breath fresh air. Don't get me wrong, Florence is an amazing city with endless explorations, but the beauty of Italy, especially Tuscany, is the convenience of visiting nearby towns that are just as interesting and beautiful as Florence. A few weeks ago, I hopped into a rented car with a couple of friends and we were off to our anticipated destination. No more than two hours later we had arrived to the city of Carrara. I had not heard much of the commune before that day other than it was situated on the ocean, and since the weather forecast for that day was sunny, it took little to convince me to go. I had heard of the marble quarries Michelangelo once visited for his very own works. These quarries are situated high-up in the Apuan Alps in an ancient city called Colonnata. Additionally, being the food lover that I am, Lardo di Colonnata had popped up on my radar a time

or two since arriving to Italy. Lardo is pig fat, usually cured within basins made from the Carrara marble. This salumi process has been taking place since Roman times and this specific lard can bear the I.G.P. (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) status. We started our adventure on the sandy shore of Carrara. The sun shone, the wind blew, and the perfect day was ours for the taking. An amazing feature of this beach is the view you get looking out into the open ocean, almost as if nothing else were out there, and the second you turn your back, you are hit with the view of the mountains, looking down on you, you up on them - whichever you find to be more beautiful. This natural balance of earth's elements really took hold of me and left a lasting impression. After a couple of hours, my friends and I decided to drive the path all the way up to the top of the very mountains that pressed their gaze upon us.

CARRARA AND COLONNATAWHERE MOUNTAINS MEET THE SEA by Lauren Fromin

Photos by the author

There is nothing more exhilarating than taking in the view of a sun soaked shore along the sea from the top of a mountain, with a cool breeze rushing around you. Never before had I been able to experience this sensation until visiting the city of Carrara, tucked away in the northernmost part of Tuscany.

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After all of the twists and turns up to the top, passing little cities and the white and blue marble quarries on the way, we arrived to the center of Colonnata. We headed straight for one of the larderias found in the tiny square. Not surprisingly, the owner invited us in and informed us how the lardo curing process occurs, with his entire setup carved out of marble. Colonnata was yet another city in Italy whose inhabitants were excited and gracious enough to explain their age old traditions and delicacies to us. After purchasing a few slabs to take home as treats, the second round of weaving and winding - this time down the mountain, took place. As soon as we saw the perfect clearing, at the perfect height, we stopped and got out of the car to take in the view

where the mountains met the sea. This time I was looking down on the very same spot I had stood hours before,

awestruck by the true beauty of these two cities.Without a doubt, if you are ever in the area

of Carrara, you must make the trek up to Colonnata. FUA even offers a trip to both cities where you can actually explore the marble quarries. This could also be a great trip for you to take if you are looking for a beach day.

In fact, Carrara is not very far from La Spezia - one of the lands of Cinque Terre. Don't forget

about all of the cities Tuscany has to explore; these destinations are in your own backyard living in Florence. Check the EFT section of the FUA Student Life website for more information on exciting trips available to you.

For Florentines, however, the workweek can be exceptionally demanding. And it is important to unclench the stress from the city and get away for the day. Just an hour south of Firenze lies the town of Montepulciano, founded by the ancient Etruscan population and subsequently occupied by Imperial

Rome. Tucked away in the Tuscan hills, the town is the ideal place to lounge for the weekend and get away from that “city slump.”The main street, staring from the city gateway at Porta al Prato, stretches for about 1.5 kilometers to the Piazza Grande at the peak of the hill. The

town is celebrated for its walkable, car-absent nature. Walking through the town, you wonder if you are even in the 21st century, and perhaps feel as if you stepped into the past; passing through the Palazzo Comunale (whose architectural resemblance to Palazzo Vecchio in Florence was ordered by

MONTEPULCIANO:THE IDEAL WEEKEND GETAWAY by Cliodhna Joyce-Daly

The week can be a stressful time for everyone, whether it is work or school, we all look forward to unwinding on the weekend. For Italians, the weekend may mean spending time with family or doing a bit of light shopping around the Italian boutiques.

Photos by the author

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Cosimo I de' Medici), the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta constructed by the Sienese School (Assumption of the Virgin, by Taddeo di Bartolo) or Santa Maria delle Grazie. Wandering through these landmarks makes the trouble of the week slip away and you began to wonder what the problem was to begin with. After, navigating your way to the peak of the hill, where the Montepulciano visa lies, you can feel the breeze of the Tuscan Valley and view the vineyards maturing for the fall harvest season. And after the long walk, the hunger sets in and it is time for a restorative snack with a fresh plate of cold cuts and cheeses and a glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG.The grapes resting in the vineyards below Montepulciano are the Sangiovese grapes, primarily known for making the famed Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The Salceto winery, just on base of Montepulciano, allows tastings of their famous grapes all year round. The winery is known for its

sustainability, winning the Gambero Rosso award for its efforts last year. The Vino Nobile is probably the best example of the area, aged in an oak case for 24 months. The wine has an oaky, but tasty flavor, leaving your mouth wanting more. The taste of the wine paired with prosciutto, for example, creates a synergistic taste in your mouth. The winery overlooks the hills of Montepulciano, so you have an exceptional view while enjoying your wine tasting. After a day spent in Montepulciano, the stressful week may seem truly behind. The fresh breeze of the Tuscan valley can calm all nerves. And the unclenched

stress is left at the base of the hill or bottom of the wine glass. So if you want to unwind and explore the local food culture, visit Montepulciano and you won't be disappointed.

For wine tastings visit the Salcheto winery website at www.salcheto.it/en.

FUA PR Strategies students announce a unique event that will especially interest travelers. The bicycle, a perennial symbol of transportation and leisure, will be celebrated at a 3-day festival in the center of Florence throughout the month of April.It’s that time of the year again, for the third annual Florence Bike Festival! Located in the historic and beautiful Parco delle Cascine and taking place April 17-19, it is sure to be an event bike enthusiasts will not want to miss. Parco delle Cascine offers a beautiful backdrop to such a wonderful event, however the festivities of this event are not limited to the park alone. This year bikers and spectators alike can take part in the festivities not only in Parco delle Cascine but in the Florence city center itself. Vintage Cycle is a special event taking place during the bike festival that will allow bikers to ride through

the Florence city center as well as areas of Chianti and other historical landmarks in and around Florence.There will also be a Bike Test that allows spectators and bikers alike to try the latest in biking technology right on the streets of Florence. The Florence Bike Festival organizers have concentrated their efforts make sure everyone could participate in the festivities this year by making special children events such as indoor bicycling and book readings. Finally L’Eroica Coffee has been kind enough to host a place for bike enthusiast to take part in debates and discussions about the current affairs in the biking world. The festival is open to all so be sure to sign up to take part soon, or at least come to the events to be a part of the fun, April 17-19!

See www.fbf.bike for more info.

FLORENCE BIKE FESTIVAL by Salvatore Sherma, Lilly Goode, Regan Simeone, Javier Rivilla,

Lara Riis, Veronica Clark

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FASHION

Nestled in a small shop off Borgo Ognissanti, there is a store that embraces artisan metal work, an art form which has continued to thrive in Florence over the centuries. M.G. Gioie e Argenti (Jewelry and Silver) is owned and operated by Giuliano Foglia and his wife, Mari Yoshida Foglia. Giuliano comes from three generations of metal-smiths, and started the process when he was 19 years old.M.G. Gioie e Argenti has been open for three years and sells a variety of handcrafted items from hair clips, jewelry, trays, and sculptures. All items are made in store at an open workstation near the front door; welcoming those walking by to watch the production of each piece.The most popular items are jewelry including chiseled necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. The price depends on the time and detail put into each piece that can range from one hour to one week. The bold necklaces are what caught my eye, my favorite being the silver lion and feather necklace! These would look great with a variety of outfits in any season; especially any sweater or a black turtleneck. Other jewelry items were available in gold and with opal and emerald jewels. Customized wedding rings are also made by request.

All items are for sale only in-store at M.G. Gioie e Argenti.You can visit Giuliano and his wife Monday through Saturday, 11-1pm and 3-8pm at Borgo Ognissanti, 72/r or visit their website for more info at www.mari-y-folgia.com.

Starting in the North, Giorgio Armani launched his fashion business in 1975 with his partner Galeotti in Milan. Another famous Italian designer, Guccio Gucci, founded his company in 1921 closer to the center of Italy, right here in the heart of Florence. Lastly, Gianni Versace, who was born in southern Italy, started to work for

his mom where he found his love for fashion and in 1975, finally launched his own clothing line. These luxury brands all have their own collections of handmade products and the list of possible designer clothing and accessories is endless. Between all three of these Italian designers, they design everything and anything you

could ever want in your closet.   From handbags and luggage sets to shirts and skirts to kitchen glassware, with just about everything else in between.  While these designers all have collections for both men and women, I focused on the women’s collections presented on the runway at Milan Fashion Week this year…

M.G. GIOIE E ARGENTI:EMBRACING FLORENTINE ARTISANSHIP

by Chandler VioxPhotos by the author

Photo by Shang Wei Liu

by Erin Nicolai ARMANI, VERSACE, AND GUCCI: THE FALL LOOKFrom the top of the Italian boot to the tip of the toe, there have been fashion designers from all different regions of Italy influencing the entire country one by one.  

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ARMANI, an autograph brand with a unique way of formal dressing and exceptional tailoring continues to be a staple in the world of fashion. His easy to wear clothes made of soft fabrics give women a pleasant and chic look when walking into work every morning.  His fall collection presented on the runway during Milan’s fashion week, showed women in more relaxed, loose fitting clothing.   While this designer may be known for the “comfortable look,” his outfits still manage to effortlessly capture the feminine figure perfectly.

GUCCI, a Florentine heritage brand, has emerged as a fashion trendsetter hitting the runway with new collections every season.   Although this particular brand failed at first, it re-launched internationally and has given the idea of success a new definition.  The brand came back and has been prosperous in the fashion world ever since.  Their unique approach to the family aspect of business has created a company and a brand with a future. The personality of this brand is constantly changing giving their customers something to look forward to every time a new line is released.  The brand’s creative designer is constantly changing recently from Tom Ford to Frida Giannini and now to Alessandro Michele.  Michele has been named by the press for changing up the style of the clothes with a more vintage, colorful, playful look.  As seen in the fall women’s collection that was presented on the runway in the Milan fashion show this February, Gucci’s designs are both simple and chic.  The newest collection framed the importance of jean material in your wardrobe and unique patterns within every outfit.

VERSACE, known for a glamorous take on fashion, has created an elegant brand with an array of diverse looks.  Although his visions and style for women were different than these other two designers, his new collection was a huge hit on the Milan stage during this year’s fashion week.  After Gianni Versace’s tragic death, his sister Donatella Versace has been successfully guiding the brand’s designs ever since.  The brand gives women more of a sexy feel with designs allowing skin to show through different cut-outs and prints.   These clothes also tend to be more form fitting than other brands leaving women feeling both strong and stylish.

From the North to the South, Italy is constantly filled with the latest fashion trends.  As you walk the Italian streets, you will see designer labels on an uncountable number as they walk past.  These designers have influenced not only the population of Italy, but have made a fashion statement internationally.

In the early afternoon, a stroll along the Lungarno delle Grazie, between the Ponte Vecchio and Ponte alle Grazie, will bring one to a local musician playing his violin. To the trained ear, he may not be the most technical musician. His bow needs a little more resin, and his strings are not properly tuned, but the sounds that sing from his violin capture the integrity of music - emotion. His vibrato rings in the air as familiar tunes, such as “My Way” and “Hernando’s Hideaway,” make their way to the listener’s ears. His strokes capture the smooth sensitivity of Frank Sinatra’s song in one moment, and in the next playfully

transition into the sultry atmosphere of The Pajama Game. He plays every staccato with assertion and tenuto with sensitivity. Swaying and using his full body to play the violin indicate an understanding of the emotion being expressed. He infuses his Italian perspective on these American songs while also playing tunes unfamiliar to foreigners’ ears. Fortunately for the listeners, music is a universal language. Regardless of social class and education, people can interpret emotions songs express. Not everyone may experience the exact same emotions, but there is a connection amongst all of them. For example,

one may feel the chromaticism in “Hernando’s Hideaway” creating a sense of anticipation while another experiences an alluring pull. In reality, there is more than one emotion being expressed. Audiences decipher different angles of human feelings. The violinist playing along the Arno may not be as skilled as the musical trio performing in front of Santa Croce with their large tourist crowd, but the Lungarno delle Grazie musician will always play whether for one passerby or when it appears he is alone. Don’t be strung along by tourist traps. Follow the local violin strings to an authentic experience of Italy.

STUDENT VOICE

BEING STRUNG ALONG by Maggie Schutz

Italian culture is not only in the historical buildings and the cuisine,but is expressed everyday by the people who walk through the streets.

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Two strange creatures perch on the steps of the Uffizi. One is masked and draped in synthetic bronze, the other garbed all in white, thick paint obscuring his face and hair.

I see the bronze creature first, his jerking movements drawing my eye. He swings a fake sword through the air, pointing at members of the faceless crowd, trying to win someone’s,

anyone’s attention. His painted neighbor is a stark contrast, a study in stillness, a living statue. He is somehow less alive than his restless counterpart. Although their methods differ, each of these oddities is vying for the gazes of the passersby, gazes mean attention, which has become a commodity. But the crowd flows past them, as water rushes past stones trapped in the riverbed.The bronze man tries one last trick to entice the crowd to look at him. He pulls a plastic Medusa’s head from the ground behind him and motions his sword beneath her severed neck, flaunting his fabricated victory. Over and over he passes the sword beneath her head, a silent champion. Still, no one glances over. Defeated, the bronze creature sets down Medusa and his sword, and pulls his bronze costume up over his head. He’s just a human once again. Once his rival concedes, the motionless statue-man ambles off his pedestal to sit down on it, his only movement in ages. His patience is rewarded. Two girls scamper up to him and pay him

for a photo. They gather close to him, careful not to touch, and capture their memory. Hardly has the picture been taken and they’re off, moving quickly away as if he were a strange and wild creature. He is not human to them. He sells his subhuman stillness so that

he may live when he washes the heavy paint from his face. I am a statue too, as I sit here unnoticed, watching the man who must ossify to live.  

My Florence is not a selfie taken on the Duomo steps or another Instagram photo of the David.

It is not visiting museum after museum, desperately trying to memorize paintings and sculptures, or seeing the things I “ought to.”  My Florence is a walk at 6:30 am through the dark streets where my slow pace is lost amongst the rapid commuters rushing to work. Everyone is focused on their own route; a wrong turn goes unnoticed. Exhaled cigarette smoke mingles with puffs of warm breath to create a haze in the air. Merchants are setting up stalls, hanging belts and straightening bags. Pastries are lined up in bakery windows while bakers dust countertops and clean displays. Floors are swept and shelves restocked by employees with tired eyes. The scents of coffee and baking ovens beckon those who walk past. My Florence is not cathedrals or aged bridges: it is the sunrise reflected in dirty sidewalk puddles.

PETRIFIED by Alexandra Loeser

FLORENCE BY DAWN:WANDERING AND WONDERING by Emily Fitzgerald

Photo by Alberto Simoncioni

Photos by the author

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FACES & PLACES

The vecchio gazometro is ghostly. No one is around.   The benches that surround it are empty, used cigarettes and bottles decorate the ground. The structure itself looks tired, grey in its retirement.   Its beams are rusted, and bricks and stones are piled together to form the walls.   Where the pavement meets the stonework, weeds sneak through, unsolicited, but no one is stopping them here.  They are free to flourish.  Pockets of moss climb the stone walls.Right now, nothing moves here but time.   Even the birds sit still underneath the heavy gloom of the clouds.   I feel

like an intruder, but I remain seated, motionless.   I feel uncomfortable, because the quiet of this place contrasts the noisy city center. The birds mutter and a saxophone wails.  Both prove that life is happening nearby, but not in this place.  The playground is empty; its colors can’t tempt a child to play today.  The swing moves softly with the wind, and the bleak sky is anxious to weep.  A bottle cap looks to the sky as it lies on the stones.  Dead vines grow in every direction between the bricks on the structure’s walls.   There is fluttering to my right, and the

Photos by the authorSTILL SOLITUDE:IL VECCHIO GAZOMETRO

by Hanna Klecka

Florence, like many European cities, is home to former gasometers, a 19th century structure that used to keep gas at regulated pressures and distribute it for civic use such as heating and street lighting. Hanna Klecka visits Florence's Il Vecchio Gazometro in the Pignone area of the city.

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pigeons skulk closer, heads bobbing in a synced rhythm.  They step, awkwardly, as they search through the litter.   The vecchio gazometro before me doesn’t have a purpose anymore, but it is still here, existing in time, helpless, paralyzed.   It observes the changes of the seasons.  It is comforted by the intermittent passerby.  It understands that it doesn’t have a choice in its solitude, and must welcome the weeds to rest upon its surface for many years to come.  A gust of air carries a bitter scent, and the chill that follows slowly sinks underneath my jacket, probing at my skin.   Pigeons walk directly in front of my place on the bench, unconcerned of my presence. The scene before me is a panorama of muted color, interrupted by blemishes of graffiti.   Rain starts to fall, blending these tones.   It falls gently at first, but soon the drops fall fast, racing one another

toward earth.   I am alone, now.  Not even the pigeons stay with me.   I continue to sit and my umbrella shelters me.  Its colors are too rich in this landscape. I see other umbrellas as they pass by the opening in the wall.  The wanderers underneath them quicken their pace with the onset of sky’s grief.  But they don’t stray from the sidewalk and hurry to their own destinations. The gazometro is not overwhelmingly beautiful.   It has rusty wrinkles, and dirt-stained scars.  There is a quiet here, though, and when I look closer at the bricks, I see hues of yellow, orange, black, and grey.  I get up to walk around, and see a bike parked in a corner, surrounded by graffiti.   I see a man walk to a bench underneath a shelter, who sits and opens the newspaper to read.   The rain stops.   I close my umbrella.  Soon, the pigeons return.

NEWSLETTER

13

APRIL 2015

Judging. Coming from Florence, a city crafted out of poised intelligence, inquisitiveness, and artistic eminence, I immediately found myself trying to wrap “La Maschera” - the entry symbol of Scandicci - in a neat box with a pretty bow. I demanded an answer for its existence.

“Why are you here?” Alas, it did not move. The eyeless abysses seemed to look

past me now.“Well!?” the voice in my head shouted. “Don’t just ignore

me!. Who are you?!” Nothing.Frustrated at the statue for its lack of conversation skills,

and perhaps even more confused as to why I had come to Scandicci, which seemed deserted on a brisk, windy weekday afternoon, I shoved my hands in my pockets and headed down the unfamiliar road. At last, I was embraced by the comforting presence of a cafe, only to be reaffirmed of my feelings of isolation by a young woman working behind the bar.

“You’re from New Jersey!” she exclaimed, eyes widening. “And you’re here in Scandicci! Why?! Can we please trade places?”

I couldn’t help but let out an awkward laugh. I was torn by her comment. Scandicci was odd, yes. If Florence, Italy were the most popular kid in school, Scandicci would be its shy, younger sibling. But perhaps its splendor was not to be overlooked.

Before exiting the cafe, I found myself in front of a giant Easter egg, entirely made of chocolate, and couldn’t help but smile. At this moment, though La Maschera was not within sight, I felt as if I was looking through new eyes, past myself. I continued down the road, and buildings colored in tones that weren’t included in even the most diverse crayon boxes covered the roads. Their edges were wacky, they weren’t exactly in line, and the trees that were planted in front of them modeled bare branches that protruded in different directions. Combined with the desolation of the roads and the elusive hills splattered

SCANDICCI: WHERE THE EYES SHOULD BEby Gabrielle Povolotsky

Photo by Maggie Schutz

The absence of eyes where ones are expected is a curious thing. There were no pupils behind the giant mask sculpture that towered above me, and yet, I could feel it looking it me.

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across the horizon, the entire city seemed like a fantastic story book; the more I explored, the less questions I asked, and the more my heart was compelled to explore.

Upon turning the corner, I heard running water, and was drawn to a nearby fountain and playground. Flower-covered bushes and fountains lined the path leading to two jungle-gyms, one wooden and one neon-colored. I quickly sat on a swing that hung from the wooden playground, and as I bent my knees, growing closer and further from the sky, I found myself completely stripped of skepticism, and overcome by childhood joy - engulfed in freedom.

Heading back to the tram to leave Scandicci, I couldn’t help but ponder the woman at the bar’s thoughts on her hometown. I spotted an elderly man nearby, and realized I had one question left.

“Excuse me,” I said, nervously practicing my Italian, “Why do you like Scandicci?”

He laughed and replied, “Why? Because it is Scandicci and I like it! Do you like it?”

I replied yes, and the old man shrugged and smiled, and continued on his way.

Before boarding the tram, I looked up at La Maschera, gazed into its eyes, and laughed. I had no more questions, no more frustration, just pure appreciation for sheer ridiculousness, and for the chaos of finding peace in the outskirts. Byron and Shelley may have idealized Italy when they called it a “paradise for exiles,” but the euphoria that Scandicci brings for those who look deeper is undeniable. As I looked up from a different angle, at where its eyes were supposed to be, I found vision instead, and suddenly, the mask seemed to smile.

Photo by Maggie Schutz

Photos by the author

NEWSLETTER

15

APRIL 2015

SCANDICCI: A FLORENTINE WONDERLANDby Emily Purcell

If when going to school in central Firenze I am Alice studying along the riverbank, then Scandicci is my Wonderland. Riding on the Tramvia, I am falling down the rabbit hole, intrigued by all the curiosities I pass. Exiting the tram, wind whips my hair and face as I accelerate in my final descent. Standing on the platform, I am faced with my hallway of locked doors: dozens of directions to take and roads to follow, but no knowledge of which is the right one. Finally, I am drawn to the mask sculpture on the corner. I stand behind the mask for a momentary respite from the wind, and wonder what character this face is to my Alice. I wonder if he is my caterpillar, coaxing me to think introspectively and choose a direction. As I decide which road to take, I step out from behind the sculpture and plant my feet in front of it, so we are face to face. It is shocking to stand in front of a face of such great size, to be at eye level with a mouth and have to crane my neck all the way back for my gaze to reach his forehead. And suddenly I am Alice again, having eaten some of the caterpillar’s mushroom and shrunken to a diminutive size. As I walk away from the mask, I am again in proportion with my surroundings, but still feel small. I feel like a child, filled with wonder at this place, which is unlike any other I have been. Though it is considered a suburb of Florence, Scandicci is nothing like the cookie-cutter streets I think of when referring to a suburb in America. And it is nothing like the traditional architecture I have grown accustomed to in Florence. I see colorful apartment buildings, modern homes, and porches decorated in a style you might see in the American Southwest.I am further infantilized as I stumble across a park. Camera in hand, I explore the area, attracted to the natural environment and its relationship with the man-made play structures that sit upon it. Even this playground is different that anything I am used to. It is covered in graffiti, which I have been trained to see as a mark of an unsafe area, but it feels just as or even more welcoming than a pristine park. Though I still felt wonder as I continued to explore, something about this place began to feel like home.In Scandicci, I was transported into a fantasy world. In the trees, which squeaked as the wind pulled them against their supports, I found Alice’s singing garden. In Castello dell'Acciaiolo, I found the Queen of Hearts’ croquet grounds. All around me, I was surrounded by variety and surprises.  Scandicci was a new place, one full of fascination. As the wind swirled around me, so did my thoughts. I wondered what other surprises I might find in the outskirts of Florence. Though it was cold, the wind felt like Scandicci embracing me, welcoming me to come back.

Photo by Maggie Schutz

Photos by the author

www.palazziflorence.comwww.fua.it

BLENDING NEWSLETTER

Supplemento di /

Supplement to Blending Magazine

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

Anno 5 - Numero 2 - Aprile 2015

Year 5 - Issue 2 - April 2015

Editore / Publisher

Florence Campus per INGORDA Editore

Via Alfonso Lamarmora, 39

50121 Firenze

Sede editoriale /

Editorial Headquarters

Corso Tintori, 21

50121 Firenze

Tel. 055-0332745

Stampato in proprio /

Printed in house

REDAZIONE / MASTHEAD

Direttore Responsabile /

Editor in chief

Matteo Brogi

Caporedattore /

Editorial Director

Grace Joh

Coordinamento Editoriale /

Managing Editor

Federico Cagnucci

Redazione testi / Copy Editor

Lauren Fromin, Ashlyn Thompson

Progetto grafico e impaginazione /

Graphic Design and Page Layout

Federico Cagnucci

Redazione fotografica /

Photo Editor

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