Türkiye

Last week, some friends and I went on a cruise around the Mediterranean for fall break. It was a blast; a great way to travel and experience different cultures in the world. My favorite place we went to was Turkey. I never had any ambition to go to Turkey but I am glad that I did. Coming to Florence was my first time experiencing a new culture that was so different from America, and Turkey was just another level on top of that. I only had a day to explore Kusadasi, Turkey, but in the time I was there I saw a completely different part of the world I have never seen before. Here are some pictures from our journey:

Every country likes Coca Cola!

The Kusadasi "Grand Bazaar". A line of many Turkish shops.

Climbing up the steep streets of Turkey.

There were a lot of cats in Kusadasi.

Some street cats picking through a dumpster.

A view from atop part of Kusadasi, Turkey

We hiked to the highest point we could easily find, and the view was extremely rewarding especially when we got to hear the Muslim prayer time song echo through the city.

Ciao Tutti!

So this week was fall break for Palazzo Rucealli and instead of traveling the whole time my parents came to visit Firenze! Unexpectedly, nothing has made this city feel like my home more than getting to show my parents around. I realized just how much I know about Florence. On the other hand I got a chance to be a true tourist by visiting (some for the first time) the Academia, the Uffizi, Piazzale Michelangelo and the very cool city, San Gimignano. And of course I got to eat some great food on my parents dime! Here are some pictures.

Oh, Art History...

Ciao to our blog followers! Fortunately for all of you folk it is fall break at Palazzo Rucellai.  This means I have been given the opportunity to tour Italy with my sister.  This also means that you can all sit tight and listen to my explanation of why art history helps here in Florence.  

Let us begin with Rome.  As I was concentrating on navigating the city (without a GPS or cab aka using a map) I lead my sister and I to some of the top locations in the city.  The Pantheon, The Sistine Chapel, The Vatican and more.  This is not what struck me most with my art history education however, The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi is what refocused my attention:

I was so focused on finding this apparent "touristy square" that when I got to the location I was shocked to find Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers.  My art history survey class was immediately brought back into view, the navigating ended and the viewing of a monument I was educated on miles away and years ago began.  It is truly remarkable to be in a situation like this and art history becomes a new form of education entirely.

To view more abroad adventures please visit my blog!!!!!! Kelseyseastheworld!

Markets

There are great places to shop in Italy, one of my favorite places to go are the markets. There are booths all over the city (mostly in touristy areas) selling all types of goods. There are leather markets that sell everything from leather boots, jackets, and bags to beautiful handmade scarves, stationary, and shoes. The prices are pretty fair, but one can always talk to the salesperson for a better price. There is even a huge indoor market where you can find fresh groceries. Walking through the markets is truly an exciting experience.

The City of Art

One of the first weeks we arrived in Florence my friend said something to me that has stuck in my head ever since: "Life here is about living." A bit cliche, I know. But probably some of the utmost honest words one could use to describe this place. Unlike in the humble US of A, where daily life is geared around competition, the Florentines choose to surround themselves in beauty and contentment. La bella vita. And as an art student, I have never been more inspired on a daily basis than I am here. Between all the marble statues, renaissance architecture, political graffiti and even the renovated street signs, the whole city itself is a giant museum. Here is just a taste of some of the artistry we are surrounded by everyday:

In the Studio This Week

More "action shots" of studio work this week at Palazzo Rucellai. Join us one day soon, ok?

Ciao Rigazzi!

While studying abroad in Florence, I am actually learning inside and outside of the walls of this beautiful city. Although I am learning in class everyday, I am a strong believer that the best lessons come through experience and once here the opportunities are endless.  My friends and I have already been up and down the coast of Italy and to Germany. During our stay here we still plan to go to many other places including Barceloa, Dublin, Budapest and more! Here is just an idea of what we have gotten to experience so far -

Pompei

Cinque Terre

Capri

And of course there are many more pictures, experiences, and lessons to come! Ciao for now!

Texture Everywhere!

Everywhere you turn, there is something new and amazing to see in Florence. For the most recent project, I wandered around the city and did rubbings of interesting signs I found. I ended up with about 25 sheets full of different words, font types, and symbols. It was a cool way to explore the city and discover places I had yet to see. I also included my concentration into the project and did a woodcut of the Uconn crest and fleur de lis combination. I did it to represent the Uconn studio art program in Florence. And, this is just proof that any concentration can study abroad and still "do their thing". Here are some photos of the rubbings, woodcut, and prints!