NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

BREAKING NEWS

COME ON GET HAPPYby Taylor Kilpatrick

At 9pm on a Thursday night, one may not expect to be sitting in a classroom discussing neuroscience, economic statuses and Bali, but such pleasant surprises will undoubtedly arise when you attend an event presented by a film producer. On this particular evening, a wonderfully invaluable event took place, beginning with a screening of the documentary Happy, and ending with intimate discussions about ‘aha’ moments and seeking peace in an increasingly bustling world.

Photographs by Valentina Dolara

Film producer Eiji Han Shimizu

ISSUE 6 - YEAR 3 | PALAZZI / FUA | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

NEWSLETTER

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Besides the incredible film, what made this such an

inspiring evening was the presence of Eiji Han Shimizu,

the producer of the documentary. This is a man who

radiates cool, not because of his material success in

the film industry or even his ability to pull off a scarf,

but because he’s had amazing experiences all over the

world and is doing what he loves. He looks, well, happy.

For those who haven’t seen the film, go see it right

now! Directed by Roko Belic, who’s film Genghis

Blues was nominated for an Academy Award, Happy

encompasses the science behind ‘Positive Psychology’

as well as numerous interviews with individuals across

the globe about what it takes to be happy. Positive

Psychology is a new field of science that studies

happiness and wellbeing (before everyone jumps up

and changes majors, know that this is actually a field

of neuroscience and incorporates years of research on

the brain.) The group of stellar filmmakers spent six

years on the project, resulting in hundreds of hours

of footage. A notable absence from those interviewed

for the film is people whose lives are focused on power,

fame, and money. As often as it’s said in day-to-day life,

this movie is what clarified the fact that money really

can’t buy you happiness. In fact, not a single person in

the movie drove an Aston Martin or wore Gucci flip-

flops and the best part is, they couldn’t care less. Only

when we value compassion, genuine relationships and

a determination to make the world a better place above

all else, can we become truly fulfilled and enlightened.

Now I’m not telling you to drop everything and move

to Southeast Asia, although that’s what Eiji did, but

we all need to shift our focus away from material

consumption and begin to appreciate the hidden beauty

of nature, family and reaching out to those in need. As

Eiji explained after the movie was over, think of your

happiness as a car. Your experiences and emotions are

your car’s fuel, and those who constantly need more in

order to feel content are the 5 MPG Hummers. Eiji told

us to “make your happiness car more energy efficient!”

Rather than saying more, more, more, we need tell

ourselves to appreciate the value of less.

It’s important to remember that there is no single path to

happiness, Eiji emphasized that everyone will have their

own moment of clarity at their own time. Maybe your

happiness revelation is on the brink of becoming reality.

Go out into the world, breathe the fresh air, and find out.

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

ART

“This is the place where I love to be, where I feel safer in Florence. I wish it was open round-the-clock!” So student Hannah Clock says speaking of FUA’s School of Fine Arts, located in via San Gallo, a bit off from the main campus, which she tirelessly attends during its open studio times to continue to work on her painting. “Luckily we are closed on the weekends, so you have the opportunity to know the rest of Florence and Italy,” I answer, “Aren’t you here for this, after all?”

I am replying to Hannah from

the point of view of someone like

me, who, 20 years ago, made the

experience of studying abroad, and

therefore knows what it means

to leave one’s home security and

explore the new and unusual in

a foreign country. Through that

experience I have grown up and

I have become what I am now:

permeable to the new, adaptable to

different circumstances and able to

navigate well in the contemporary

world, which is also constantly

being redefined.

Unstable Territories, the latest

exhibition of the Center for

Contemporary Culture Strozzina

in Florence, makes about all this.

It is a committed and demanding

exhibition that takes us to reflect

on what the transitory is today, in

geographical, political, economic

and, ultimately, individual terms.

The latter is perhaps less graspable

in the context of the show: leavingin

the background the reflection of the

individual self, Unstable Territories

is perhaps the least pandering and

”BOUNDARY LINE”: A SPECIAL PROJECT AT THE STROZZINA FOR FUA ART STUDENTSby Lucia Giardino

the most difficult show for its public

and for our students since the

opening of the Strozzina in 2006.

Nevertheless, this year, like

the previous two, the Strozzina

has invited some international

academic institutions in town to

participate in one of the Center’s

educational projects designed for

students of art and art history,

who have been called to confront

with the curatorial theme of the

show. For Unstable Territories, the

mediation project is called Boundary

Lines: students of the classes of

Foundation Sculpture taught by

F_AIR Artist in Residence Larissa

Aharoni, and Contemporary Italian

Art, taught by Lucia Giardino, will

participate. For the presentation to

the public, Mario Ayala, Amanda

Greene, Katerina Gugliotta,

Emily Stumpfig will produce

plastic works, according to their

appropriateness or correspondence

to the guideline of the topic.

Their media will probably leave

the safe confines of traditional

techniques, to be at the service of

the conceptual idea of instability

and indeterminacy which builds

up the exhibition. The critical

analysis of the selected pieces will

be entrusted to Kristine Calderoni

and Shelby Monkres, both students

of Contemporary Italian Art; they

will consolidate the right for the

pieces from their classmates to be

included in the public presentation

at the Strozzina on December 5,

2013. At the opening of the show I

was proud to meet Mario, Kristine

and Michael, some of our students,

to whom I asked which was for

them a representative work among

all the many meaningful pieces.

Mario Ayala answers for the

three of them: “The pieces were all

focusing on the changing nature

of territories, therefore they were

all functional to the exhibition’s

purpose. There was a documentary

Richard MosseThe Enclave, 20136-channel video installationBiennale di Venezia 2013 - Pavilion of IrelandCourtesy the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York

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FOOD & WINE

Zanny Begg & Oliver ResslerThe Right of Passage, 2013Video stillCourtesy the artists and Galleria Artra, Milan

(The Right of Passage) by artists

Zenny Begg and Oliver Ressler

about the status of citizenship,

and the statelessness that develops

around individuals who emigrate

to other countries. This piece is the

work which has touched me at a

more personal level, since I myself

am an immigrant”. I am very proud

to offer the chance to my students

to participate in the project of the

educational department of the

Strozzina. The 5th of December will

be an unforgettable day for them

and for us all, come to support FUA

students at Strozzina.

UNSTABLE TERRITORIESBorders and Identity in Contemporary Art

11 October 2013–19 January 2014Centro di Cultura Contemporanea Strozzina

This month Massimo Bocus, culinary teacher at Apicius,

chose this scrumptious Tuscan recipe, Crespelle con le

castagne, castagne being Italian for chestnuts. This

recipe is perfect for this time of year as it requires

the new extra virgin olive oil, freshly milled chestnut

flour and chestnut flower honey, all fresh amazing

ingredients that taste just like Autumn!

RECIPE OF THE MONTHCHESTNUT CRESPELLEby Elspeth Humm

Photograph by Elspeth Humm

CrespelleAll purpose flour 200g

This seasons fresh chestnut

flour 100g

Whole milk 350g

Whole egg 1

Salt 1 pinch

Evoo - 1 Splash

Fresh thyme 1-2 stalks

Light Bechamel SauceButter 30g

All purpose flour 30g

Milk 500g

Water 500g

Bay leaves 2

Clove 1

Filling and GarnishSheep’s milk ricotta 300g

Chestnut flower honey approx. 2tbsp

Evoo - This seasons fresh extra virgin olive oil approx. 2tbsp

Ingredients

Serves: 4

Time to prepare:

10 minutes plus 30

minutes to rest

Time to cook:

10 minutes

With the change of the season our markets are now brimming with delicious chestnuts, porcini, fennel, squash, truffle and pumpkins to name just a few. This is a great time to get those Autumnal recipes out and get into the kitchen for a play.

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

FOODIE GEMS: WHERE TO GET THAT QUIRKY PANINOby Alexa Mellardo Photographs by Alexa Mellar

Along a charming alleyway tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s cobblestone, lies a hidden gem. Following the motto, “fresh food and old furniture,” this unique find confidently rocks a swanky split personality.

Amblé doubles as a smart

vintage furniture boutique and a

delectable café, offering some of

the most mouthwatering panini

in Firenze. Amblé’s sandwich

masterpieces are the perfect picnic

basket components to accompany

a refreshing bottle of limoncello,

spicing up an afternoon picnic

Method

One day in advance, drain the ricotta from the excess

liquid by keeping the ricotta basket hanging up or

alternatively hang the ricotta in cheesecloth. This should

be hung in the fridge. 

For the crespelle:

Sift both the flours together, then add the milk and the

egg. Mix with a whisk until it has all mixed together to

form a smooth liquid. Season with salt and fresh thyme

then let is rest for 30 minutes. 

Heat a non-stick frying pan and brush the surface with

a little oil. Use kitchen paper if you don’t have a brush.

On a medium heat spoon one ladle of mixture into the

hot pan and quickly move the pan so that the mixture

completely covers the bottom. Good crespelle should

be quite thin. Cook on both sides and set apart. Do the

same again until you have used all of the mixture. 

For the light bechamel:

Heat milk and water with the bay leaves and the clove.

Make a white roux using the butter and the flour. Pour

in the water and milk mixture, bring to a simmer and

cook on a low heat until the bechamel is ready. The

bechamel should be really delicate and runny.

Stuffing the crespelle:

Spread a thin layer of ricotta onto the surface of the

crespelle and roll to form a cylinder.

Calculate 2 crespelle per person.

 

Pour some bechamel and evoo onto an oven tray and

place the crespelle on top. Cover each one with a tablespoon

of bechamel avoiding to cover them completely.

Dress again with evoo, some fresh thyme and freshly

ground pepper.

Bake for 5 minutes at 170°C.

 

Plate the crespelle dressing them with a little chestnut

flower honey and new extra virgin olive oil.

Perfetto!

Buon appetito!

If you are looking for a drink that would go really well

with this dish then look no further than Vino Novello.

Typically meaning ‘Young Wine’ as it is the first of the

seasons. It also means that it should be drank young.

Light and fruity in flavour with a low alcohol content it

acts as the perfect pairing. 

As Giorgio Locatelli famously said “What grows

together, goes together.” Take heed.

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FLORENCE MUSEUMSYOU HAVEN’T BEEN TO... YETby Lauren Fromin

Whether visiting for a short period as a tourist or studying in Firenze for a semester, it is inevitable you will eventually wander into one of the many museums sprinkled throughout the city. Does Uffizi Gallery ring a bell? How about Accademia Gallery or Pitti Palace? If you like long lines and crowded viewings, these are the typical museums to visit. However, Firenze offers other museums you may have not even realized existed. Check out this list of offbeat exhibits to explore the next time you get the chance.

TRAVEL

in the Rose Garden. They can also be savored on the

venue’s trendy, plush couches and savvy stools.

When first arriving at Amblé, you fill out a checklist to

create your personalized panino. Offering a plethora

of fresh and healthy sandwich stuffers to choose from,

picking your ingredients is a truly difficult decision.

The shop offers: your selection of bread (white or ‘five

cereals’), fish or meat, and two ‘garnishes’ for 3,50 euro.

Each additional garnish is 0,50 euro.

Amblé has a broad variety of fish and meat, from

salmon and shrimp to porchetta and roasted turkey. The

garnishes will certainly please your palate, including

juicy sundried tomatoes, creamy gorgonzola cheese,

porcini mushrooms, tasty “taggiasche” olives and

many more delights. The homemade mayo (classic, light

or vegan) lavished on the moist bread slices totally adds

the finishing touch to each panino, complementing

the flavors of the combined ingredients. In addition

to personalized panini, Amblé also serves a salad and

carpaccio (raw beef or fish dish with oil and parmesan

cheese) of the day.

AMBLÉPiazzetta dei Del Bene, 7/A

www.amble.it

The fact that Amblé’s very own décor is a chic furniture

store within itself is an incredibly captivating concept.

The chairs and vintage knickknacks showcased on the

café tables have price tags on them. Antique flowery

teacups and plates set up shop next to a wooden box

of tea bags. Flowerless chocolate brownies in addition

to a crystal cake pedestal of freshly baked cookies and

delectable, moist muffins also await for dessert time.

Amblé is incredibly divine; “wow” panini in a wonderful,

enchanting setting! Davvero unico e molto delizioso –

really unique, very delicious!

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

Salvatore Ferragamo Museum (Via Tornabuoni, 2) Entrance: € 5,00

Calling all fashion lovers! The Gucci Museum may be a place you have at

the top of your “must visit” list. Did you know Ferragamo has a museum

as well? The family opened the museum to illustrate the impact Ferragamo

had on the international fashion scene as well as shoe design. The museum

exhibits more than 10,000 archives created by the designer himself over

a 40-year span. The building itself is a Medieval structure; it was even the

seat of City Council between 1860-1870 when Florence was the capital of

Italy. After many years of exchanges, Ferragamo purchased the building

in 1938 and it became his workshop as well as headquarters for the brand.

Dante’s House (Via Santa Margherita, 1) Entrance: € 4,00

Scattered throughout the streets it is common to spot the familiar face of the famous poet,

Dante Alighieri, whether sold in store fronts as souvenirs or sculpted out of marble in

statue form around the city. If you want to get to know him on a more personal level,

stop by his home on Santa Margherita. Situated on three floors, based on the most

important stages of his life, you can find Dante’s youth documented on the first floor

all the way through his political and military years as a Florentine citizen. History of his

exile is displayed on the second floor, and the third is a collection of reproductions detailing

Dante’s fortune and iconography.

Museum of Geology and Paleontolaogy (Via La Pira, 4)

Entrance: Combined ticket for all museum sections € 6,00;

reduced ticket € 3,00

The Medici Grand Dukes started it all, the Museum of Geology

and Paleontology is one of the most critical museums of its kind

in Italy. From the evolution of horses to animal and vegetable

fossils, this museum links the past to the present by showcasing exhibits

surrounding the origins of life in the Mediterranean region. It is easy to forget

about the history before the greats of the Renaissance within Florence, but

this museum will take you back to the beginning of life itself.

Diocesan Museum (Piazza Santo Stefano) Free Entrance

Showcasing masterpieces including “St. Julian” by Masolino, “Adoration of the

Magi” by Paolo Uccello and Giotto’s “Madonna”, the Diocesan Museum brings you

works belonging to other churches that could no longer maintain preservation. The

building itself was restored between 1993 and 1996 thanks to contributions from

the Regional Administration of Tuscany and is currently divided into three floors.

Having existed in 1116 and later reconstructed by Ferdinando Tacca internally

during the 17th century, the church was dedicated to Santo Stefano and Santa Cecilia.

Museum of Prehistory (Via Sant’ Egidio, 21)

Entrance: € 3,50; € 2,50 reduced ticket

Taking place from the Pre-stone age to historical times, the Museum of

Prehistory was founded in 1946. The first floor is dedicated to human

culture as well as the environment and houses fossils of humans from

prehistoric times. The second floor depicts prehistory discoveries as

well as Asian and African collections. One of the main attractions

is an original sized reconstruction of African prehistory presented as

photomurals. This museum is a must see for all history buffs.

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Gardens of Love is a FUA course with an in depth study of the classic gardens that make up Italy. With the Boboli gardens under our belt, my class and I got to see the Villa Medicea di Castello garden just recently and despite the weather that day I admired the beauty of the hedges, trees, statues and flowers that collectively formed such a magnificent piece of scenery.

VILLA MEDICEA DI CASTELLOby Alexandra Dunek

Medici Villa of Castello, Florence.Detail of Fountain of the Apennine:

January sculpture (1563-1565) by Bartolomeo Ammannati.

Photographs courtesy of Ulisse Albiati (cyberuly)

The ortaccio, or walled garden, of the Villa di Castello near Florence.

The one part of the garden that

struck me the most was the

fountain of Appenino because

of the way it looked during the

pouring rain. The rain showcased

the statue differently than it

would in sunny weather. I was

captivated by the peace and

serenity that the statue gave off

to its viewers or at least to me.

My instructor once said that all

statues set in the garden hold

a certain meaning. They are

there for a reason. The fountain

of Appenino represented the

mountain source of the rivers

of Florence. Learning a little bit

about the statue itself as well

as the garden allowed me to

appreciate the history of another

country and left me with a great

desire to learn more. However,

because of its lasting impression,

the statue of Appenino will always

remain my favorite.

Find out how to at: www.polomuseale.firenze.it/musei/?m=villacastello

NEWSLETTER

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

As a Fashion Merchandising student at FUA, I am fully immersed in the fashion world. I see fashion, study fashion, I think about fashion, I am fashion. I love that on my way to class I get to see all the local Florentine’s dressed as if they’re straight out of Fashion magazines against the picturesque scenery that Florence has to offer.

FUA STUDENT STREET STYLEby Scottie Key

An exciting and unexpected aspect of being a student at

FUA, is how much I enjoy seeing my classmates against

both the traditional and modern Italian scenery. The

student body at FUA can often represent up to 35 different

nations during just one semester. Walking through

Florence, seeing my classmates and how they are dressed,

how they represent themselves and their nationality

through Fashion has been extremely interesting for

me. The eight individuals I chose for this piece are just a

small example of our extremely diverse and fashionable

student body at FUA. I hope you appreciate the diversity

and individuality as much as I do.

Taylor Balding, 19, USA.

Taylor lives and breathes Fashion;

She writes a fabulous fashion blog

called restlessy0uth.blogspot.com,

I highly recommend it!

Victoria Dic, 20, Colombia.

Victoria has a classic casual chic

style always. She’s perfectly

understated with a touch of flare. “I

love wearing black outfits because

it is a powerful color that exudes

arrogance and modesty at the same

time,” she says.

Kenneth Curiel, 21, USA.

In the 6th grade Kenneth went

to school every day dressed as a

greaser from the movie Grease.

“I was given a leather jacket and I

slicked back my hair every single

day,” he said.

Karen Daley, 18

& Paty Muñoz, 18, Mexico.

Karen and Paty have been friends

for 10 years, but they really started

to get close about three years ago.

“We are so different but at the

same time we agree in everything

we do.” – Karen

FASHION

Photographs by Scottie Key

Brittney Austin, 20, USA.

“I am the ULTIMATE

daydreamer! I daydream almost

80% of my day.” – Brittney

Eloise Beaulieu, 20, French Canada.

Eloise is a talented artist and

designer. She tells me she enjoys

spending Sunday mornings with

a cup of coffee and her laptop

watching movie trailers (not

movies, just the trailers).

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With the industry presently booming coming off of the

“big four” fashion weeks debuting designer collections

for Spring and Summer of 2014, it is more interesting

than ever to view the 19th-20th century garments and

envision where designers may have had some of their

most recent inspiration roots. The Costume Gallery

is located inside the Meridiana sector of Florence’s

extraordinary Palazzo Pitti. For those who

don’t know, the Pitti Palace is located in

the Oltrarno and was built during the

Renaissance, roughly around the

year 1458. Lucca Pitti, a Florentine

banker, was the original owner

of the palace until the property

was purchased by the Medici

family in 1549. In present day,

the Pitti Palace is home to a

variety of art galleries, which

are all open to the public.

Upon entrance in the Costume

Gallery, you are greeted by

extravagant pieces from the

1700s. Corsets and crinoline

played an important role in how

ladies dressed, definitely ousting

any opportunity for comfort and

ease in an everyday environment.

It wasn’t until the early 1800s, I

learned, that empire waist, column-

style dresses came into the mix, a

style that is still extremely popular in

the present day. The gallery is set up with

a timeline feel, all of the styles appearing in a

chronological order. Seeming as though you have gone

back in time, there is a jump from the sleeker column

dresses to very structured gowns with a higher

waistline than those of the 1700s. This is the time

period when the A-line shape came into style. The only

difference in these designs from those of the 1700s is

that the corset has been removed and women are free

to bare some skin. Well, their arms and ankles at least.

The late 1800s were a time when women began to work

and needed more freedom to move in their clothing

than ever before. The 1900s was when fashion moguls

begin to emerge as not only designers, but as praised

celebrity figures in society. Two huge names in fashion,

Salvatore Ferragamo and Roberto Cavalli proudly call

Florence home and gained their popularity in the

mid-1900s. Many Ferragamo shoes are on display

in the gallery, as well as my favorite gown in

the exhibit which happened to be a Cavalli

original. By simply turning a corner in the

gallery, guests are blown away by the

Elsa Schiaparelli originals from the

1930s, including some of her famous

hats that were worn by members of

the Medici family. For menswear,

you can see the developments

made in male trends, as well. The

gallery highlights what was worn

by the diplomats and royals of

the 19th-20th century. There is

a significant change from the

over the top costume pieces men

would wear on a daily basis in the

1800s to the basic black, tailored

suit that is still in style to this

day. The change in wardrobe came

in the 1900s when the rulers of the

world wanted to be seen as average

men with visions that could make

history, as opposed to men who had

money and wanted to be seen as the most

powerful rulers of the land. A few weeks

ago in Milan, designers from across the globe

proved that though fashion is extremely innovative, a

majority of their inspiration comes from going back in

time. Cavalli displayed gowns that could easily mimic

some of those from the 1920s room of The Costume

Gallery, all made in beautiful silver metallic fabrics.

Emporio Armani also went back in time with his

collection, displaying a variety of shift dresses that

could easily date back to the early 1800s. Originally

inspired by Roman architecture, the column dress is

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATION FROM THE PITTI PALACE COSTUME GALLERYby Julie Grassey

Fashion is a world that is constantly evolving, and after a recent trip to the Pitti Palace Costume Gallery on a field trip with my Fashion, Media, and Culture class here at Florence University of the Arts, it is clear that many of the trends displayed at the museum have continued to remain evergreen throughout the ages.

Photographs by Julie Grassey

NEWSLETTER

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

The second floor of the Bargello

museum resembles any other

typical Italian museum. The high

ceiling and hard floors echo even

the quietest footsteps. Far in the

corner, two Madonna sculptures

line the walls, listening to every

word being whispered, watching

every hand moving. They hold the

infant Jesus, still too young to

speak. Luca Della Robbia formed

these lost-cast wax sculptures into

life. Their mouths seem to smile

with adoration at all the people

gazing upon the beauty of them

and their son.

“They love us, each one of us!”

“Look at those beautiful children!

And that pregnant woman!”

“She is certainly glowing!”

In late fall, years ago, the breeze

statues. Their seven year old

minds wandered, yearning to

touch the different pieces. Danny,

the troublemaker, walked over

to Donatello’s “David.” He saw

Goliath. He wanted to touch

Goliath. Pulling on the stone

lodged in his head, the Madonnas

noticed.

“He’s going to break it! Donatello’s

masterpiece!”

“There’s nothing we can do, I

cannot watch!”

“The horror!”

Suddenly, the infant Jesus, savior

of humanity, screamed. He cried

and fussed, saving the statue. No

human ever discovered where the

sound came from, but a smirk

remains on that infant’s face until

this day.

MADONNA AND CHILDby Alyx Bennett

thankfully drifted through the

stuffy room. Seven young children

squirmed as their teacher taught

the lessons of the varying David

certainly very Italian in design and is a timeless piece

we will see on runways for centuries to come.

Sicilian-bred Dolce & Gabbana, as usual, stunned

crowds with their gorgeous garments for Spring 2014.

Always styling over-the-top ready-to-wear pieces,

there was a great deal of oversized A-line dresses in

this collection. As mentioned before, the A-line style

was originated in the late 1800s.

The Galleria del costume in Palazzo Pitti changes

the collection displayed every 2 years, or so. Full

admission to the museum, which also grants visitors

access to the beautiful Boboli Gardens, Bardini

Gardens, Porcelain Museum, and Silver Museum, is

15 Euro. The Pitti Palace is a must-see attraction for

any art and fashion lover visiting Florence. Stay tuned

for the upcoming exhibition at the end of November

featuring the women protagonists of fashion design!

Left: Roberto Cavalli, mid-1900’sRight: Pucci Jewelry, Elsa Schiaparelli umbrella

STUDENT VOICE

Illustration by Jessica Lederhos

Left: Abito da cocktail, both manufactured in Italy. Piece on left between 1975-1980, piece on right between 1923-1924.Proving how similar styles repeats itself overtime.

Right: Salvatore Ferragamo shoes.

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STUDENT HEROES by Michael Turner

Narrator: It was the week before midterms and in the city throughout students were studying to let the stress out. All except one, sound asleep in his bed, an assignment due tomorrow lost deep in his head. But lo and behold a miracle unfurls! A cosmic event to help his ideas flow…He sat up in bed as he heard a faint cry. He looked around the apartment but no one he spied…

Michael: “Um, hello? Who is talking?”

Narrator: He rushed to the window and held very still.

And he could hear voices on the ends of the wind!

Michael: “Actually, no I just want to go back to bed. If

you don’t mind?”

Narrator: As he held that position the voices came

clearer! Cries of distress that were getting quite nearer…

Michael: “Look I don’t really want to get involved in

anything…”

Narrator: He grabbed his keys and he donned his coat

then dashed for the door to help those poor folk!

Michael: “No, I’m not. I’m going back to bed.”

Narrator: I said—He grabbed his keys and he donned

his coat…

Michael: “I heard you but I’m not doing it.”

Narrator: Oh yes you are.

Michael: “No I’m not…”

Narrator: Yes, you are.

Michael: “For the last time!--”

(Falls hard and hits the ground)

Narrator: He tripped and he fell and he hit the concrete.

The voices on the wind then echoed along the street…

Michael: “How’d you… do that?”

Narrator: He rose in a hurry and brushed himself

down. If he wanted to avoid more injuries he would STOP

CLOWNING AROUND!!!

Michael: “…. Uhm ok…”

Narrator: Palazzo Vecchio was where he was led with no

one around but the voice in his head.

Michael: “…This isn’t going to be something ridiculous is it?”

Unknown Voice: “One would hope not but we shall see.

The matter that has brought you here is urgent indeed.”

Michael (Cringing): “Oh great… it begins…”

Narrator: He turned around and with a grin realized it

was a statue that had talked to him!

Hercules: “I am Hercules, the hero, the greatest was I.

Born from Father Zeus and sculpted by some dude.”

Cacus: “Cacus I am and my history is mute. As I am

forever bound to this imbeciles… fruit. Carved we were

by the artist Baccio Bandinelli who thought that this

scene was really quite funny...”

Photographs by David Weiss

NEWSLETTER

13

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

Michael: “Why are you rhyming?”

(Not) David: “If you think that’s weird try standing here.

You won’t believe the odd things that come near. But I am

the David, his replacement not true, I’ve held his place

here since a year after 1872.”

Michael: “Really, feel free to stop doing that you’re

trying too hard.”

Hercules and Cacus: “It is not us who must try but

you I’m afraid. For a threat draws nearer and we cannot

escape!”

Michael: “Look I really just want to go back to bed so if

we could wrap this up?”

(Not) David: “Your essay assignment which you have

forsook. It is the key to a conflict which for centuries has

remained overlooked.”

Michael: “… I’m done with this.”

Narrator: Of course I’ll help David, whatever you need.

Why I’ll stay out all night… even if I were to freeze.

Michael: (Looking upward) “I hate you…”

(Not) David: “We appreciate your help but you must act

quick. My counterpart is approaching and he will not

quit!”

Michael: “Counterpart? You mean the original David?”

(Not) David: “Yes, I’m afraid my predecessor has gone

rogue. Political differences hath created this road…”

Michael: “What sort of political differences could you

possibly have?”

Hercules & Cacus: “A view on art and where it belongs.

The original is liberal but the three of us aren’t. The

signs and buildings of our glorious streets are not to be a

canvas for scoundrels to creep!”

Michael: “… That, actually makes sense. The David was a

symbol for the defense of civil liberties embodied in the

Florentine Republic during his time.”

Hercules & Cacus: “He still is believe it or not. People

may have forgotten but he has not.”

(Not) David: “This argument has spiraled far out of

control. He threatens destruction if his ideas are not

sold!”

Michael: “Ok, but I still don’t understand what it is that

I’m supposed to do?”

Narrator: The ground started shaking their time was at

an end. For across the piazza the True David reared his

head…

Michael: Oh come on I don’t even know what I’m

supposed to do yet!

(Not) David: “Convince the True David his ideas are

far-fetched! By using our creator’s memory he may be

stopped yet!”

Michael: “How would lecturing him on Michelangelo

help?! He would probably agree with him!”

Hercules & Cacus: “How dare you suggest that he

would relate! The great artist, Michelangelo, would never

deface!”

Michael: “Look, this is whatever. But you’re talking

about a guy who has painted on more walls and ceilings

than most artists in the Renaissance, and created more

controversial and “vulgar” art than anyone too.”

Narrator: Their time was running out! The deadline was

nigh! As the original David crossed the piazza with a look

in his eyes!

Michael: “That doesn’t even make sense! He’s a statue

how could he have a ‘look’!”

(Not) David: Hmm I heed your words and take them to

heart. However I don’t believe we can afford to lose this

fight.

Michael: “Fine, whatever, I’ve done my part now let me

go back to sleep and leave at once!”

Hercules & Cacus: “Leave? So soon? But why would you

go? Another use we have for you though.”

Michael: “That doesn’t sound good…”

(Not) David: “A meat shield to use to soften the blow; of

my much stronger double whose rage is palpable.”

Michael: “Hey! Writer are you just going to let this

happen?”

Narrator: “Perhaps if you listened and stopped being

distracted the ending would not have to be so tragic. But

I’ll wish you luck and let you know that you do survive.

After all we still have the sequel to write!”

And all through the night the David wailed on his foes,

who walked away with bruises thanks to their courageous

pillow. Catastrophe was avoided and peace restored.

BLENDING

14

It is the only bronze statue situated in one of the most

popular Piazzas in Florence, and although Medusa in Greek

mythology is represented as a monster, Benvenuto Cellini’s

sculpture makes her almost appear beautiful as well as

terrifying. It is an elegant, realistic Renaissance sculpture

that evokes horror, making the detached snake headed

woman the main subject, like it’s a symbol to avert evil.

It is an aged masterpiece that I have the fortune of seeing

everyday as I walk to and from school, or around the city,

one of the few sculptures that always catches my attention.

A DAILY ENCOUNTER WITH MEDUSAby Michael Anderson

Found in the Piazza della Signoria amongst many awe-inspiring Greco-Roman works of art, stands a bronze Perseus beheading the grotesque monster, Medusa. Perseus triumphantly stands over Medusa’s slain body with her hideous head raised high in his hand.

Photograph by David Weiss

Identifiable by their colorful wardrobe and distinct

hairstyle, Gypsies are a common folk living among

local Florentines.

Over time, the term gypsy has garnered a stereotypical

and somewhat negative context, however, the term

has a much different meaning. The roots of the word

itself derive from an ethnic group of people referred to

as Romani. This group of people live primarily within

Europe and the Americas. Depending where you are

in the world, the term Roma is used to describe the

people as well.

The Romani people are historically from India and known

to have dispersed west into Europe nearly 700 years

ago. Initially, the Romani people travelled from place

to place before settling in many different countries. The

Romani people have been able to maintain their unique

culture by passing down traditions and expectations

verbally from one generation to the next. Additionally,

in some countries, “Romani people can be found in

nearly any job. More traditional occupations include

metal-working, music and dance, and fortune-telling,”

(NationalGeographic.com).

Similar to other ethnicities throughout history,

some have migrated to escape injustices against their

people. Therefore, understanding the roots of ethnic

groups is important and should not go unnoticed. We

are lucky to live in a city that accepts ethnicities from

all around the world and we should be proud to call

everyone around us neighbors.

Familiar to the streets of Florence are unique individuals originating from different regions throughout the world. One group in particular holds the title Gypsy.

GYPSIES: MODERN DAY NOMADSby Nguyễn Tuân Anh Vũ (Vu Nguyen) and Lauren Fromin

FACES & PLACES

SPOTLIGHT ON SLD CITY WALKSby Blair Zimelis, Devin Reuben, Alexandra Nasi, Jillian Lovejoy

Do you keep telling yourself to get out and explore Florence

more? Have you actually done it? Well, FUA has an

opportunity for you to explore different parts of the city

that you now know as home, but it will also get you in shape.

As you know, Florence is a place full of so much history and

culture, but one can only see it if they take the time to walk

a little further and explore a little more. So maybe you’ve

seen all of the tourist attractions like Piazza della Signoria,

Ponte Vecchio, il Duomo, San Lorenzo Leather Market and

Santa Croce, but there is so much more beyond the tour

books. Let real Florentines give you a behind the scenes

look at their Firenze.

Florence University of the Arts offers weekly city walks

where students can meet up and be taken around to the city’s

finest attractions. These walks include a monthly excursion

outside Florence into the hills that surround the city.

On November 29th at 9:00am, FUA will be guiding a

special city walk that is directed towards those who want

to get in shape. The Fit Walk goes on a specific path around

Florence that is meant to challenge one’s stamina while

going to new and interesting parts of the city. It can be

difficult for study abroad students to adjust to life abroad

keep up with a regular exercise routine. Going for a walk

can also be a wonderful way for students to get off of their

social networking profiles, away from homesickness and

into their new environment. It is a great way to get out

and see different parts of the city while doing something

healthy for your body.

Meeting points vary for each walk so be sure to check with the

Student Life Office or at www.FUA.it. The other City

Walks are held on November 15 and 22 at 10:00am.

Photograph by David Weiss

takes the class step by step through the

meditating process. First she explains

how one should sit while in the process

of meditating. Posture is very important,

so she informed the class to “pretend you

are being held up by a string” in order

to sit up very straight but not too stiff.

Both feet should be placed on the floor

(not crossing any part of the body) then

you can put your hands on top of your

legs, or whatever feels most comfortable.

People assume that you close your eyes

during meditation, but it actually helps

to just close them halfway or focus on

a point, closing your eyes makes it too

easy to want to fall asleep. Throughout

time there have been studies indicating

the positive impact of meditation, giving

AN ENCOUNTER WITH MINDFULNESSby Casey Brooks

The Student Life Department at FUA has initiated a new activity project in the fall 2013 semester dedicated to mindfulness practices. I never had the chance back home to work on my state of mind so I thought it would be interesting to try. The classes are about an hour long but we are only meditating for approximately 24 minutes, which is the optimal time for meditating.

reasons why one should meditate and

the advantages that meditating brings.

Among the benefits of meditation it has

been scientifically proven to increase

the immune system, boost your self-

confidence, and improves your memory,

to name a few. People who meditate

often have higher test scores and are

able to focus better; on top of that people

who meditate are usually happier and

less stressed. So far the meditation

classes have had a positive impact on my

wellbeing. I look forward to the classes

and know that it will be a time that I

can just truly be still and enjoy being

tranquil and in one place. Check out the

SLD calendar for upcoming Mindfulness

encounters.

As this is a new activity being offered,

the initial encounter had a high turnout

of students wanting to try out this new

endeavor for the first time. The first class

was an informational overview about

the art of mindfulness. Mindfulness can

also be referred to as meditation, which is

really all about paying attention. Paying

attention to our breath, how we are

feeling and most importantly our mind.

Meditating and being still allows one

to relax and just be themselves. Which

people don’t always give themselves

the opportunity to do so, in a world

where communication and work tend to

dominate our lives. Prof Valentina Dolara

runs the encounters, and has a strong

background in meditating herself. She

STUDENT LIFE

www.palazziflorence.comwww.fua.it

BLENDING NEWSLETTER

Supplemento di /

Supplement to Blending Magazine

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

Anno 3 – Numero 6

novembre/dicembre 2013 /

Year 3 - Issue 6 - November/December 2013

Editore / Publisher

Florence Campus per INGORDA Editore

Via Alfonso La Mamora, 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

Progetto grafico / Graphic Design

Federico Cagnucci

Impaginazione / Page Layout

Joel Yoder, Federico Cagnucci

Illustrazioni / Illustrator

Jessica Lederhos

Redazione fotografica / Photo Editors

Joel Yoder, 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.