scholarship please :)

So for the Scholarship application the question was: "Florence, Rome, London, and Sydney each have their own distinct historical and contemporary climates for artistic expression. Describe how the artistic heritage of your chosen study abroad destination will influence your personal growth." in 400 words.


my essay..... hope its an ok one. Couldn't get anyone to edit it in time....


Florence “The Cradle of Renaissance”

The heritage of Florence is the backbone of art, it carries with it the lives, and history of Artists that helped shape and mold the formation of Art as it is today. These artists are now the people whose works have help shape, and mold me as an artist. Their experiences and works teach and challenge me to hone my craft to the best of my ability.

In the time of Giotto, and many the artists that fallowed, artist would learn under apprentice of a master. Going to Florence and being amongst works of the masters is a way to study under them. To be able to visit works of art such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and see how he used a brush stroke in a certain way to create a highlight or blend a color can open an artist’s perspective on a whole new level and create a new dimension in their approach to painting. Or to see one of the many breathtaking sculptures up close, absorbing the details and craftsmanship that went into creating such masterpieces will be another life altering experience in itself.

I imagine the air in Florence is thick with romance, not just because people there may be in love, or the romantic setting all the Renaissance art has embedded there, but because the people are in love with the city and the way of life there. I can’t wait to be there amongst the buildings that aren’t just buildings, but in themselves works of art, and taking it in first hand. Walking around Florence will be like walking around a giant canvas signed by many incredible artists. One can only be inspired and flourish and an environment such as that.

The city is alive with history that gives endless stories to learn and discover. The culture alone is much different than the American city life that I’m used to. I believe the experience will open my eyes on many levels. They take time to enjoy life, and each day, and each person, the environment and food. Having a time period in the middle of the day where everything stops to take a break is intriguing to me. Being able to slow down like that will give me more of an opportunity to learn, grow, and create on a much more connected level. Also being able to explore the nearby cities and culture will allow me to fully immerse myself in the Italian history and lifestyle.

Studying and living in the city that hosted so many inspirational minds is a dream I once imagined, and is one I am beyond grateful to be able to experience. My family heritage roots back to Italy, so my whole life I’ve felt connected to Italy beyond wanting to explore its artistic heritage, but also my own. Being submerged in the culture and art will allow me to open up and experience a new way of living in which I will carry pieces of those memories with me for the rest of my life.

must see...

Sculpture of "Appennino" from Giambologna in Florence
(click pic to enlarge)

This has to be one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen! I want to have a picnic and read by this work of art, maybe i'll do a live painting of it! Next time i post this picture it will be me standing with this sculpture!

Classes!

So the whole purpose of going to Italy, (besides an excuse to see and experience Europe) Is for school. Happily I am studying art, so I'll be in Florence, the nesting ground for some of histories most amazing artists. I've worked really hard to make this opportunity happen and I am beyond greatful!

So I think I'm going to take 5 classes since i wont be working. The one's I have chosen are:

International Art Business: priming myself for the business world!

Florence Sketchbook: a drawing class where we get to draw things all around Florence!

Wine and Culture: learning about and drinking the wines of Italy!!

Intermediate Painting: good practice, may have some nude subjects!

and Sculpting: !!!!

I am extremely excited about the sculpting class, I have a feeling its going to add another branch to the things I create.

lineage

A little history overview. My father's mother's family comes from Naples Italy. Her last name is Rubino. In this photo is my Great, Great Grandfather who's last name was Diginero. When he came here off the boat he opened up a shop on Chicago Ave, and here are some pics from 1924 :)
I almost started crying when i saw these photos. Look at all those wine barrels! This shop was so beautiful! I am working on researching more!

my song tribute to Napoli! ;)

buongiorno

This blog is going to be a documentation of my transition into moving to Florence, Italy in January (or my 6month stay there). The learning of the Italian language and things i find out that I want to remind myself to see while in Europe. Vineyards, artworks, restaurants, cafe's, little hidden treasures... Then obviously when im there, this blog will be my journal of my experience of traveling and what i learn with art and the works i create there. :)

first things first, one of the places in Italy i want to go: Manorola, Italy