Leaning Can Be Fun

Greetings Family,

The last two Saturdays have been very busy traveling and learning! Last Saturday I stayed close to home and visited Palazzo Vecchio. The palace originally built by the Medici's, it is still used as city hall today. They even had actors portraying the family in the square that afternoon. It was very cool, because the tour I was on was of the secret passages!! We were even able to see Lorzeno's treasure room, where he coordinated the portraits with the items behind the painting. No treasure left mind you... These pictures have of course been added!

Yesterday, I went to Pisa and Lucca for the day. Both places were absolutely beautiful. I was; however, very surprised at how SMALL the the leaning tower is! I don't know, for some reason, I just thought it would be massive, perhaps from all the pictures you see. But, it was not, still a site to see, but small none the less. And of course I took the famous pose, how could I not?!

Now, I must add, I was DOG TIRED on this trip, but it is my own fault!! Several of you know I love to dance and love 'ol school hip hop! Well, after hitting up two other spots for food and beverages, I met a British DJ with my couch surfer host and now friend Danielle. He shared all about his spot where he works, an underground after hours 'OL SCHOOL HIP HOP spot!! What?! How could I not grace this place with my presence. Can I just say WE WERE GETTING OUR DANCE ON! So much fun... and I forgot to add, this is a spot with mostly locals, non parlo ingles, solo parlo italiano!! (I don't speak English, I only speak Italian!) Lots of practice, the owner couldn't believe I had only been here for 3 weeks. Needless to say, if you want to know what a sunrise looks like in Florence, it's nice... you should check it out. But I paid for it the next day around Pisa and Lucca, ergo the leaning and molto dopo cappuccinos (several double cappuccinos)...

So now what...

1. I think I have recovered and finally got some rest today.

2. I am planning my trip to Athens, Greece (not Georgia) for fall break with Jen (my housemate) and Katie (another post bac). Danielle can't go.

3. As you know I have changed my "focus," to photography so here are a few recent shots through my lens. (Don't worry, Hunters Bend I'm still drawing too! Thanks for the encouragement.)

What do you think?

No Pressure...

Ciao Ragazzi!

Yesterday my drawing class went to Academia. You may not know this, but this is the location of the original David, by Michelangelo. (A replica is located in the Uffizi Square.) They moved David indoors to protect him from the elements and he is absolutely beautiful! Dare I say breathtaking. Well, I about lost my breath when John, my British drawing instructor let us know we would be sketching David. WHAT!! Are you kidding me?

Being the good little student that I am, I kindly set my place and began the process. Then I realized, as people were walking by, tourists and such, they were looking at my paper! Looking at the papers of my classmates. Citing for the world to hear or at least those in ear shot, "ahh, art students." Of course each glance offered judgements of approval or not. Great, so now, I not only have the pressure of drawing this GIANT, but also the community, ensuring I get the curl of his hair and curvature of everything else, just right. I won't bore you with my sketches, but let's just say, I am glad I am in the class. I will add; however, once I started using the charcoal, it felt and looked better, trust me, the tourist from Canada told me so!

As far as my other classes, I LOVE my photo professor Jacopo (I know, but we are in Italy). He combines photography with literature. I have been waiting for a teacher like this all my life! Jacopo will also be my advisor through grad seminar. He was so kind to recommend a number of books for me to start, one of which I have to have the first 6 chapters complete by next Tuesday. Glad I love to read!

In Video, my teacher is Bruno (again, but he is French, SACI has quite the international faculty!) I already made my first short. It was about an addicition to running. The first step is to admit you have a problem... This weekend, my partner and I will be working on a "sequence", but we still have to come up with the subject. Let me know if you have ideas...

Finally, what we have all been waiting for... my piece came out today in The Florentine, simply click to follow the link. I also have my next story! I will be completing the Up Close and Personal Section of an artist named Marina Calamai. Her story is unique, her art is of desserts. Question: I wonder if she will bring real samples of the models she uses when we meet? Thanks Steve for the lead on this one, I owe you a cappuccino!

Well, I have to run, my friend Danielle is taking me to an opening tonight. She has been great and helps me with the Italian. I am finally understanding, I just wish I could respond!

Ciao!

Lost in Translation

Ciao Ragazzi! (hello everyone)

Here are two posts in one, life has been so busy with the first week of classes, I am not quite sure where to begin. Nevertheless, here goes...

To explain several inquires about last week's post... SWIM FINS. These lovely items were simply requested to help me from sinking in the abyss of naked people and classes. Heh, give me a break, I haven't carried a full load since '97.


My article for The Florentine comes out on Thursday! I will be sure and make a post with the link. I am waiting for my next assignment, but I am also hunting out the story as well. Watch out Lois Lane!

I decided to drop and add a few classes. I have elected to take photography as my new focus, instead of drawing. Now mind you, I am still being hunted down by the naked people, as alas, I still have figure drawing, but I no longer have to focus there. Along with photography, I will also study video. I think this will be pretty cool. Now the ham will be behind the camera instead just in front of it! I will be sure and keep you posted.

This Saturday I went to Ravenna for the day. It is just past Bologna and the birthplace of Mosaics. This is the latest slide show. Please know, I did my best to capture the splendor... but it still pales in comparison of actually seeing these life size pieces of art. Believe it or not, there was even a wedding going on in one of the basilicas we visited, which brings me to this weeks smile moment.

Since I arrived, I have been keeping a running tab of when Italians have used American phrases, slang, or other comments that were obviously lost in translation. Caveat, before I go into the running tab of Lost in Translation comments, I do want to add, that I am pretty sure there is some cute little Italian girl (she has to be cute, they all are) who has jotted down one of my errors as well, when I was trying to share THEIR language!

• Today, when looking at a photo of trapped baby raccoons in a dumpster, my Grad Seminar professor exclaimed. "Ahhh, they got caught with their hand in the marmalade." Uh, I think he meant cookie jar.
• While in Ravenna, we past a wedding that was playing the graduation march as their pre-music for the ceremony.
• I have been asked where I am from more then I can count. I am sorry to report, almost no one has heard of Tennessee. In fact, they often say, Hennessey when repeating it back to me and then begins a long drawn out discussion. So I think I am just going to say I am from NY and be done with it.
• Here is one about the lovely Italian men... walking through the mercato (market) I am often, what's the word, approached, uh, greeted. Yeah, greeted with varied salutations. On this particular day, a "gentleman" who says some form of hello daily, told me "You're like honey." I believe he meant to say, I was sweet. I hope so... *insert shutter here*

One final thought, I dropped Fresco painting to take video, but I do want to add, I never had a college professor serve me Peach Bellini's after lunch for as I worked. I LOVE ITALY!! Thank you God for the opportunity....

Va Benne! (as well)