tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79667467119793303212024-03-13T14:56:08.528-04:00OCAD Students in FlorenceThis is an online community space for OCAD students in FlorenceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-32816056781882410452008-04-18T06:55:00.007-04:002008-04-18T12:55:09.951-04:00Spring comes to Florence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/SAiB27o0CaI/AAAAAAAAAJA/jSsEQgNQ4Ow/s1600-h/IMG_0151.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/SAiB27o0CaI/AAAAAAAAAJA/jSsEQgNQ4Ow/s320/IMG_0151.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190541351266290082" /></a><br />Spring has come to Florence, with a trip back to Fiesole, in the hills above Florence, to see the Etruscan and Roman ruins, and the lovely monastery of San Francesco. The views of the city laid out before you are perhaps even more beautiful, with the fresh green and spring flowers carpeting the hills.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/SAiB4bo0CbI/AAAAAAAAAJI/c3HSuWqzlCw/s1600-h/IMG_0032.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/SAiB4bo0CbI/AAAAAAAAAJI/c3HSuWqzlCw/s320/IMG_0032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190541377036093874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/SAiB5Lo0CcI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/ii2j5OiWWPA/s1600-h/IMG_0038.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/SAiB5Lo0CcI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/ii2j5OiWWPA/s320/IMG_0038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190541389920995778" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This brings us full circle, with the trip that our students took to Fiesole in September with Professor Peter Sramek, as an orientation to Florence.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-976579138604522872008-04-15T21:08:00.032-04:002008-04-25T05:28:50.288-04:00Year End Exhibition and Farewells<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXHsku_oqI/AAAAAAAAAgA/1--zFwzqQzg/s1600-h/opening3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXHsku_oqI/AAAAAAAAAgA/1--zFwzqQzg/s200/opening3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189773714203320994" /></a>Upon request, a follow-up to the exhibition… Here are a few photos I’ve gathered of the Peraurim Exhibition, the Annual Florence Program Year-End Show held on Friday April 15th-16th 2008. This includes only a few photos of some of the work each of us created this past semester (due to slow internet connection at my place, they’ll be slowly but definitely coming!).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXLD0u_ouI/AAAAAAAAAgg/74XgpMEkVjs/s1600-h/james.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXLD0u_ouI/AAAAAAAAAgg/74XgpMEkVjs/s200/james.jpg" border="0" width="100" height="80" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189777412170162914" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXMrEu_owI/AAAAAAAAAgw/QlXA7EubGLI/s1600-h/cortney.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXMrEu_owI/AAAAAAAAAgw/QlXA7EubGLI/s200/cortney.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189779185991656194" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXN9ku_oxI/AAAAAAAAAg4/sk1Pwb0Udus/s1600-h/iris.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXN9ku_oxI/AAAAAAAAAg4/sk1Pwb0Udus/s200/iris.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189780603330863890" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXSdku_oyI/AAAAAAAAAhA/v4yGGPyb1lU/s1600-h/alan.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXSdku_oyI/AAAAAAAAAhA/v4yGGPyb1lU/s200/alan.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189785551133188898" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXvpUu_pAI/AAAAAAAAAiw/pi3-OC78C8o/s1600-h/elisabeth.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXvpUu_pAI/AAAAAAAAAiw/pi3-OC78C8o/s200/elisabeth.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189817638833857538" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAY4pUu_pBI/AAAAAAAAAi4/5IYP_5iJVNI/s1600-h/jaclyn.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAY4pUu_pBI/AAAAAAAAAi4/5IYP_5iJVNI/s200/jaclyn.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189897903182685202" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAZIzEu_pCI/AAAAAAAAAjA/y54UQ6xLI-o/s1600-h/jacqueline.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAZIzEu_pCI/AAAAAAAAAjA/y54UQ6xLI-o/s200/jacqueline.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189915662872454178" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAb0iku_pEI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/JBbBxENUvPA/s1600-h/jesse.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAb0iku_pEI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/JBbBxENUvPA/s200/jesse.jpg" border="0" width="100" height="80" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190104495404590146" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAbxg0u_pDI/AAAAAAAAAjI/AjfdaCmTLUg/s1600-h/jacub.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAbxg0u_pDI/AAAAAAAAAjI/AjfdaCmTLUg/s200/jacub.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190101166804935730" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAhSMEu_pFI/AAAAAAAAAjY/Njh0-vZpZQc/s1600-h/kristine.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAhSMEu_pFI/AAAAAAAAAjY/Njh0-vZpZQc/s200/kristine.jpg" border="0" width="100" height="80" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190488937927255122" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAhYwUu_pGI/AAAAAAAAAjg/ErutaBbpOLg/s1600-h/laura.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAhYwUu_pGI/AAAAAAAAAjg/ErutaBbpOLg/s200/laura.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190496157767279714" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SBGeOIBAuKI/AAAAAAAAAlI/TtEaDdisBpg/s1600-h/cydney.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SBGeOIBAuKI/AAAAAAAAAlI/TtEaDdisBpg/s200/cydney.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193105810841974946" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAyJuhZfDcI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/6pkELv_PgF0/s1600-h/rachel.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAyJuhZfDcI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/6pkELv_PgF0/s200/rachel.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191675902783589826" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAyJmhZfDbI/AAAAAAAAAkI/v9CmcFt_XN8/s1600-h/nevena.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAyJmhZfDbI/AAAAAAAAAkI/v9CmcFt_XN8/s200/nevena.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191675765344636338" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SA81dYBAuII/AAAAAAAAAk4/dr4QpTCUZ0A/s1600-h/vanessa.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SA81dYBAuII/AAAAAAAAAk4/dr4QpTCUZ0A/s200/vanessa.jpg" border="0" width="100" height="80" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192427674160642178" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAyJeBZfDaI/AAAAAAAAAkA/Rw9OxfQy17U/s1600-h/miriam.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAyJeBZfDaI/AAAAAAAAAkA/Rw9OxfQy17U/s200/miriam.jpg" border="0" width="100" height="80"alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191675619315748258" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAwtvBZfDZI/AAAAAAAAAj4/VCmN288j3kg/s1600-h/mike.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAwtvBZfDZI/AAAAAAAAAj4/VCmN288j3kg/s200/mike.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191574756303768978" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SA8KQ4BAuHI/AAAAAAAAAkw/vv5SA_lNJrM/s1600-h/steve.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SA8KQ4BAuHI/AAAAAAAAAkw/vv5SA_lNJrM/s200/steve.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192380180412282994" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAwkWxZfDXI/AAAAAAAAAjo/8gTilU2rM0A/s1600-h/melissa.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAwkWxZfDXI/AAAAAAAAAjo/8gTilU2rM0A/s200/melissa.jpg" border="0" width="100" height="80" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191564444087291250" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SA3aNIBAuFI/AAAAAAAAAkg/8EOX7HcGWx0/s1600-h/ryan.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SA3aNIBAuFI/AAAAAAAAAkg/8EOX7HcGWx0/s200/ryan.jpg" border="0" width="100" height="80" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192045864452929618" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SA11GYBAuEI/AAAAAAAAAkY/KQhcEre7WtE/s1600-h/rob.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SA11GYBAuEI/AAAAAAAAAkY/KQhcEre7WtE/s200/rob.jpg" border="0" width="100" height="80" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191934697814407234" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAwtmBZfDYI/AAAAAAAAAjw/ScgWjf9kHl8/s1600-h/michelle.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAwtmBZfDYI/AAAAAAAAAjw/ScgWjf9kHl8/s200/michelle.jpg" border="0" width="80" height="100" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191574601684946306" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SBGeb4BAuLI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/P_THgekRw3I/s1600-h/antonella.jpg"><img style="margin:0 2px 2px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SBGeb4BAuLI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/P_THgekRw3I/s200/antonella.jpg" border="0" width="100" height="80" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193106047065176242" /></a><br /><br />Nevena Niagolova, a 5th year student in the program (with the help of photos taken by Rob Palmer and cover photo by Melissa Espina) has so kindly dedicated her time and unique creativity to compiling a book for us that will be published in recognition and as a commemoration to some of the artwork we created this year in the program.<br /><br />Shortly after the exhibit, we had a full intense (and also very inspiring) week of final critiques, with a panel that included our 2nd semester professor Martha Ladly, our history professor Peter Portical, and two visiting guests by professor Colette Laliberte and OCAD President Sara Diamond. And I can’t forget, also the critique, support, and encouragement from each of the fellow classmates in the program.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXA3ku_ooI/AAAAAAAAAfw/xGjIsSATfYE/s1600-h/DSC03205.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXA3ku_ooI/AAAAAAAAAfw/xGjIsSATfYE/s200/DSC03205.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189766206600487554" /></a>We ended the program with a full day of packing our work <i>folio sopra folio di</i> bubble wrap… now resting in a tall tube or box that are currently being shipped to Canada as I type!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXA30u_opI/AAAAAAAAAf4/ZmFbgdDcSZo/s1600-h/DSC03203.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/SAXA30u_opI/AAAAAAAAAf4/ZmFbgdDcSZo/s200/DSC03203.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189766210895454866" /></a>We said our farewells and returned each of our set of keys to the studio in hopes that they will open doors to new experiences and inspirations for those who will be given the opportunity to delve into its nooks, corners, and crannies next school year. OCAD has been offering the Florence Off-Campus Studies to students and the opportunity to live and study abroad for almost 33 years now and it was truly an honor to be a part of it.Antonellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07649560585785858441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-19059721003009299772008-04-08T07:45:00.004-04:002008-04-08T08:08:59.842-04:00The Church of Sagrada Familia, Barcelona<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5Bz5RCC_cRQ/R_tfvjr2N1I/AAAAAAAAAAM/GS4t3ixDFN0/s1600-h/2008_03100115.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186844666484897618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5Bz5RCC_cRQ/R_tfvjr2N1I/AAAAAAAAAAM/GS4t3ixDFN0/s320/2008_03100115.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Bz5RCC_cRQ/R_tfvzr2N2I/AAAAAAAAAAU/-_r02dNMd0k/s1600-h/2008_03100081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186844670779864930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5Bz5RCC_cRQ/R_tfvzr2N2I/AAAAAAAAAAU/-_r02dNMd0k/s320/2008_03100081.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Church of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona has been the main source of my last three paintings this semester. Last month, I had the opportunity to visit this church, which is still under construction. Antoni Gaudi, my favourite architect, originally designed this church and worked on it until his death in 1926. Under the church is a museum dedicated to the original plaster models, sketches, and floor plans for the church's construction. One sketch in particular interested me. It was of the geometric shapes made by the columns and vaulted ceilings in the central nave. Being fascinated by patterns and also architectural drawings, I used these shapes to make three paintings. I see architectural drawings as beautiful art pieces which are decorative and precious already.</div>Mashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04587082223242719874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-76977356979950648952008-04-07T18:45:00.003-04:002008-04-07T19:21:09.157-04:00The stories of Florence and Santa Maria del Fiore and their influence on my work<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WOa8iFtR72M/R_qrFRxciqI/AAAAAAAAAAg/JeqybadGk60/s1600-h/pic1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WOa8iFtR72M/R_qrFRxciqI/AAAAAAAAAAg/JeqybadGk60/s320/pic1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186646028029037218" border="0" /></a><br />Most of us studying in Florence this year have seen a change in our work compared to earlier years. For me, there have changes in style and in the ideas I'm interested in showing. The main cathedral in Florence, and other buildings that i have seen with intricate facades and colour patterns, has influenced the colours and sorts of lines that I've been using. I find myself drawing small detailed work, and using alot of negative space with delicate colours. Conceptually, Florence has influenced my work because I have found myself fascinated with the idea of stories. this city is so full of history and narratives, that I feel I can never understand the full stories, but rather small snapshots, which is an idea I have begun to explore this year in my work.Irishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02947106570835563805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-46237309054323271432008-04-07T18:16:00.000-04:002008-04-07T18:25:09.122-04:00A Different Sunrise<p align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kDhnYxwbICg/R_qfDFvxI8I/AAAAAAAAAAk/QFVn-6Gk-6I/s1600-h/DSC_6144.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186632796301501378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kDhnYxwbICg/R_qfDFvxI8I/AAAAAAAAAAk/QFVn-6Gk-6I/s320/DSC_6144.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>alan2008http://www.blogger.com/profile/12132504743418701232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-37289692734278345432008-04-07T13:38:00.003-04:002008-04-07T13:50:14.235-04:00AuralessWalter Benjamin writes about the aura of the work of art, and how it is withered by mechanical reproduction. This is most relevant for the world's most famous artworks, what Peter Porçal calls the 'inflated images'. In the past seven months, I've seen a lot of them- The David, The Parthenon, and the Mona Lisa are the most iconic examples. When I saw the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, I was most deeply affected not by the beautiful painting, but by the gaping mob trying to get snapshots of the beautiful painting. So I took out my digital camera, too, and captured a video of them.<br />Want to see them?<br />Notice the utter and complete lack of aura, and the damaging flashes going off every couple of seconds.<br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3G5RFiGc6m0"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3G5RFiGc6m0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></embed> </object>James Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05215484569309721116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-43434525326574662622008-04-07T11:44:00.003-04:002008-04-07T12:00:30.447-04:00La Laine des Moutons, cest nous qui la...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PDdEyS3SW5w/R_pEgCj1P3I/AAAAAAAAAAg/JG9mrj4P25k/s1600-h/100_1444.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186533238104211314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PDdEyS3SW5w/R_pEgCj1P3I/AAAAAAAAAAg/JG9mrj4P25k/s320/100_1444.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Florence made an impact in the textile market in the Renaissance. The guild responsible for the import, processing and export of wool was of the most profitable of the guilds. I expected to see more textiles when I arrived here in Florence and although I was disappointed not to, I was inspired to elaborate on my knowledge of the material and the processes that go along with it. My work has been impacted by the history of wool and by the people here in Florence. I feel that I am crossing cultures, my own with the one here in Florence. My mother used to sing a song about how to make wool into yarn. That song <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PDdEyS3SW5w/R_pEfij1P2I/AAAAAAAAAAY/9atLOOQJCn0/s1600-h/PIC_0015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186533229514276706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PDdEyS3SW5w/R_pEfij1P2I/AAAAAAAAAAY/9atLOOQJCn0/s320/PIC_0015.JPG" border="0" /></a>has inspired me to find the original process of my materials and to connect with the people who processed the wool for my project that I may not have met. Those people became the aura of my afghan to me. Passing through so many hands to become the final product. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PDdEyS3SW5w/R_pEgSj1P4I/AAAAAAAAAAo/EOQwX8eTYIQ/s1600-h/100_1441.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186533242399178626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PDdEyS3SW5w/R_pEgSj1P4I/AAAAAAAAAAo/EOQwX8eTYIQ/s320/100_1441.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>Jacqueline Schillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04338762505759077482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-51433151314522969812008-04-07T10:09:00.001-04:002008-04-07T10:12:17.679-04:00La Specola; a dissection of the romantic epoch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_451iDF_2xig/R_oriJzq6VI/AAAAAAAAAAs/HW1nQxU1rzo/s1600-h/P1030134.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_451iDF_2xig/R_oriJzq6VI/AAAAAAAAAAs/HW1nQxU1rzo/s320/P1030134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186505786618734930" border="0" /></a><br />La Specola is the only place in town where one can see a 3oo year old hippopotamus right alongside realistic human wax anatomical models with their internal organs spewing forth. Yes, la specola has it all. My body of work this semester has been centered around human anatomy and anatomical diagrams, so it was only natural that I would gravitate towards Europe's largest collection of anatomical waxes. Not only are the figures frighteningly lifelike, but seem to be from some long lost romantic horror story. To mirror the complex and fanciful way their organs are spilling out of their abdomens, the female waxes have equally intricate braided hair, intertwined with delicate strings of pearls across their throats. La Specola is a true mix of the 18th century quest for truth and romantic ideals.Laura Fedynyszynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10755145484723361664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-29299551461688829182008-04-07T09:53:00.005-04:002008-04-07T10:18:27.662-04:00Florence is the Influence<div style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_A983U0RdDH8/R_oqsj9vkWI/AAAAAAAAAA8/R1z1JRuo8KU/s1600-h/gallery01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 181px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_A983U0RdDH8/R_oqsj9vkWI/AAAAAAAAAA8/R1z1JRuo8KU/s200/gallery01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186504865927369058" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I could not choose one particular site, monument, artist or artwork in Florence that has s</span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">ome resonance or meaning to my work because</span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Florence the city as a whole; the streets, museums, artwork, culture and people have all</span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> influenced my </span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">work and have left a lasting impression on me.</span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Without coming to </span><st1:city style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><st1:place><span style="">Florence</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> I would not have had the need to use maps and probably wouldn’t have developed such an interest in them.</span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style=""> </span></span><a style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_A983U0RdDH8/R_oopj9vkVI/AAAAAAAAAA0/1XtXGogxWyQ/s1600-h/DSC_0197.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 146px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_A983U0RdDH8/R_oopj9vkVI/AAAAAAAAAA0/1XtXGogxWyQ/s200/DSC_0197.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186502615364505938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I wouldn’t have </span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">realized how</span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> interesting and timeless they are and I would not have produced any of the work I did this year.</span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style=""> </span>Without coming to </span><st1:city style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><st1:place><span style="">Florence</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> I would not have gained so many memories which in themselves</span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> were a big part of my artwork.<span style=""> </span>Coming to </span><st1:country-region style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><st1:place><span style="">Italy</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> has changed my work, my process and it has changed me.<span style=""> </span>Due to this program I have grown in so many ways and have added to my character a</span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">nd for that I am grateful.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_A983U0RdDH8/R_orYz9vkXI/AAAAAAAAABE/Vami34OWNAA/s1600-h/IMG_1103.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 121px; height: 162px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_A983U0RdDH8/R_orYz9vkXI/AAAAAAAAABE/Vami34OWNAA/s200/IMG_1103.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186505626136580466" border="0" /></a>tenderonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826118091855233244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-17446742704757432742008-04-07T01:02:00.003-04:002008-04-07T01:17:46.353-04:00Frescos and Sweet Jumps<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SBWEHXWKsD0/R_msSwboOdI/AAAAAAAAAAg/OXTyZL1DGCk/s1600-h/Raphaels.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186365884132243922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px" height="279" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SBWEHXWKsD0/R_msSwboOdI/AAAAAAAAAAg/OXTyZL1DGCk/s320/Raphaels.jpg" width="292" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SBWEHXWKsD0/R_msiwboOeI/AAAAAAAAAAo/_yXuHeo_pwI/s1600-h/Mike.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186366159010150882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 279px" height="296" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SBWEHXWKsD0/R_msiwboOeI/AAAAAAAAAAo/_yXuHeo_pwI/s320/Mike.jpg" width="305" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>The abundance of figure painting in the Italian Renaissance has deeply inspired my work by making me aware of the versatility of the body, with its foreshortening and curves, skin tones and proportions. The ceiling frescos of Raphael’s Rooms in the Vatican were what inspired my series of people tumbling throught the canvasses. This series was an exploration of drapery, bold colour, and contorted bodily positions. On the left, is part of Raphael's fresco, while on the right, Mike is doing a jump off of a tree stump as warm-up for the trampoline photo shoot... thanks Mike and Rachy for being gorgeous models!</div>Micheehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398427605389410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-70741266942923429142008-04-06T17:14:00.001-04:002008-04-06T17:27:49.453-04:00Change, anyone?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oPFOWLUKipc/R_lAO3K3SPI/AAAAAAAAAAY/Xp86sGHuX9c/s1600-h/PAGE+BOY"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oPFOWLUKipc/R_lAO3K3SPI/AAAAAAAAAAY/Xp86sGHuX9c/s320/PAGE+BOY" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186247069965699314" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" ><span style=""> </span>It is easy to judge a time-period by the haircuts. If Florence had a haircut, it would be a page-boy, probably with some sort of feathered hat perched at a jaunty angle, and certainly someone would be asking it for a few ducats.</span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08518308985946063762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-114754253703193892008-04-06T15:28:00.004-04:002008-04-06T15:36:55.036-04:008 months as a tourist<div><div>I’ve realized that Florence, although unique with its own history is like any other city; growing, becoming more modernized and being shaped by different cultures. Florence has become a city built upon spectacles. Once rich for its artisans that lived and worked here, Florence is now only recognized for the reputations of those people and their marks on history they have left behind. No longer is their economy built upon their wool merchants, guilds and exports to other cities and countries, but on the spectacle and the tourists that flock in to see it.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186218244635282098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H5ze8gqAf_k/R_kmBAciyrI/AAAAAAAAAAw/yYxbIv5D_qo/s320/DSC_1684+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>“Tourism, human circulation considered as consumption is fundamentally nothing more than the leisure of going to see what has become banal.” -Guy Debord-</div><div>-photo: Alan Lee</div></div>Jacubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01457909326892666342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-13106636504910186812008-04-06T12:45:00.007-04:002008-04-06T12:55:12.911-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Br0QxqYqtE0/R_j_2XSbPHI/AAAAAAAAABg/lKjOeQUeKds/s1600-h/3A.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 172px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Br0QxqYqtE0/R_j_2XSbPHI/AAAAAAAAABg/lKjOeQUeKds/s200/3A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186176280346442866" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Br0QxqYqtE0/R_j-uXSbPDI/AAAAAAAAABA/ZCCOHT_oBbs/s1600-h/5A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 309px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Br0QxqYqtE0/R_j-uXSbPDI/AAAAAAAAABA/ZCCOHT_oBbs/s320/5A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186175043395861554" border="0" /></a><br />As the end of the semester approaches so does our time here in Florence. While unfortunate that our time here will end, the prospect of returning home to friends and family is also exciting. However the influence that Florence has had on my work is undeniable. By pulling colours from the various cities that I have visited I developed a colour palette based on my surroundings. Each piece is based on a wall from somewhere in Italy. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Br0QxqYqtE0/R_j_iHSbPGI/AAAAAAAAABY/aW2O_Lub_As/s1600-h/6A.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 58px; height: 78px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Br0QxqYqtE0/R_j_iHSbPGI/AAAAAAAAABY/aW2O_Lub_As/s200/6A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186175932454091874" border="0" /></a>This is the background stain that begins each piece. I continue working using a combination of maps and freehand drawings a building details to create the finale esthetic. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Br0QxqYqtE0/R_j-73SbPEI/AAAAAAAAABI/RLFbyezGtbo/s1600-h/1A.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 59px; height: 77px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Br0QxqYqtE0/R_j-73SbPEI/AAAAAAAAABI/RLFbyezGtbo/s200/1A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186175275324095554" border="0" /></a>Several of the buildings in Florence have stood since the Renaissance, reclaimed and re purposed to continue the life of the city instead of tearing down and rebuilding. Combined with using locally sourced building materials such as sandstone and local marbles as well as imposing a strict colour code a cohesive style within urban development through was achieved in Florence. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Br0QxqYqtE0/R_kAB3SbPII/AAAAAAAAABo/clsmvbauuew/s1600-h/2A.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 73px; height: 55px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Br0QxqYqtE0/R_kAB3SbPII/AAAAAAAAABo/clsmvbauuew/s200/2A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186176477914938498" border="0" /></a>While this was done with the intent to preserve the integrity of the Florentine atmosphere, it also keeps the city separated from perceptive modern development. When new structures are developed they now tend to stick out like sore thumbs and creates a strong divide between the historical city center and the surrounding neighborhoods.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Br0QxqYqtE0/R_j_PXSbPFI/AAAAAAAAABQ/zip2Rz9LQNA/s1600-h/4A.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 91px; height: 68px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Br0QxqYqtE0/R_j_PXSbPFI/AAAAAAAAABQ/zip2Rz9LQNA/s200/4A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186175610331544658" border="0" /></a>cortney stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15650544035873197198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-89526916508402758832008-04-05T15:30:00.005-04:002008-04-05T16:34:12.948-04:00Artists of Life and Words<a href="http://digilander.libero.it/debibliotheca/Arte/bellini/st_francis_detail.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://digilander.libero.it/debibliotheca/Arte/bellini/st_francis_detail.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myartprints.co.uk/kunst/sandro_botticelli/portrait_of_dante.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.myartprints.co.uk/kunst/sandro_botticelli/portrait_of_dante.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Poverello, the poor little man, is a nickname given to St.Francis for his integrity and repudiation of anything influencing desire, pride, and ambition. In reading, Little Flowers of Saint Francis and having been to the Church of Saint Francis in Fiesole and Laverna, stories and images of his caritas, a love of charity to all things and humans alike, inspired me to develop a caring and careful handling of my materials. Paper-making became a contemplative and meditative process. Each hand-made sheet became unique to a specific moment in a process of self-evaluation. <br /><br />Below is the portrait of Dante Alighieri painted by Sandro Botticelli during the quattrocento (1400's). We all remember from Peter Porcal that 'Dante's face is not his face!' Ever since I heard this I became intrigued by portraiture's potential to uglify or beautify the subject. You know what they say 'don't judge a book by its cover' and Dante, more than his faulty features reveal, was a universal poet of the good, bad and ugly in life. From the depths of Inferno, to Purgatorio and Paradiso in his masterpiece Divina Commedia, Dante battles the spiritual realms to seek justice and the eternal source of life, unconditional love. In reading excerpts of La Vita Nuova, Dante in Love, and La Commedia Dante's poetry spoke to me on a spirtual level and his words of love motivated me to shift to a more expressive approach in my drawing and painting. Being completely immersed in the letters of Doris, I sensed the need to make large physical impressions from the poetry and words I read from Dante. Behold, the larger-than-life size book was born. It offered me such relief and freedom of expression with the materials from the small intricate book I was working on earlier this term.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-16768658205807616892008-04-05T11:21:00.010-04:002008-04-19T01:50:59.620-04:00Final studio days and year-end show<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_YWMmaC58I/AAAAAAAAAdY/5pNNeU04wIg/s1600-h/DSC02776c.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_YWMmaC58I/AAAAAAAAAdY/5pNNeU04wIg/s200/DSC02776c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185356426687735746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_YWMmaC59I/AAAAAAAAAdg/SfV1151FbkI/s1600-h/DSC02780c.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_YWMmaC59I/AAAAAAAAAdg/SfV1151FbkI/s200/DSC02780c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185356426687735762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_YWM2aC5-I/AAAAAAAAAdo/uNuN7zBUqtA/s1600-h/DSC02846c.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_YWM2aC5-I/AAAAAAAAAdo/uNuN7zBUqtA/s200/DSC02846c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185356430982703074" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I am writing amidst what has been quite a busy month for everyone and I in the Florence program. In the last few weeks we’ve been busy creating lots of art, writing about it, and preparing for our year-end show. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_YEHWaC57I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/k0F6TV88alA/s1600-h/DSC02828.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_YEHWaC57I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/k0F6TV88alA/s200/DSC02828.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185336545284122546" /></a>Studying in the Florence program has given us the great privilege of having 24-hour access to a studio so that we can make and share from our own and each other’s creative minds. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_YWM2aC5_I/AAAAAAAAAdw/XLRSwUSoh24/s1600-h/DSC02766.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_YWM2aC5_I/AAAAAAAAAdw/XLRSwUSoh24/s200/DSC02766.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185356430982703090" /></a>I’d often work at the studio in the early mornings for this is when the studio was at its most quietest and so that I’m all charged up to work which has personally helped me to concentrate and work effectively. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_X4u2aC5yI/AAAAAAAAAcI/iMJyb8di52I/s1600-h/DSC02802.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_X4u2aC5yI/AAAAAAAAAcI/iMJyb8di52I/s200/DSC02802.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185324029749421858" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_XpwmaC5vI/AAAAAAAAAbw/1AItpq7O47g/s1600-h/DSC02800.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_XpwmaC5vI/AAAAAAAAAbw/1AItpq7O47g/s200/DSC02800.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185307567139776242" /></a>Yet, sometimes I would also work in the late afternoons till the late evenings, -these were the hours when the studio was at its busiest- because I enjoyed the encouragement and commentary about my work that I’d get from everyone around me, and just their presence alone brought me great motivation and energy to work just as effectively. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_Xpw2aC5wI/AAAAAAAAAb4/C3wkBDH1Qag/s1600-h/DSC02807.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_Xpw2aC5wI/AAAAAAAAAb4/C3wkBDH1Qag/s200/DSC02807.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185307571434743554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_Xpw2aC5xI/AAAAAAAAAcA/_JErggpclD0/s1600-h/DSC02850.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_Xpw2aC5xI/AAAAAAAAAcA/_JErggpclD0/s200/DSC02850.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185307571434743570" /></a>In the past week I’ve gathered a few pictures of us working at the studio as we dedicated long hours to finish our work for the end of term. Beginning from the top, Michelle Galletta, Vigneux, Cortney Stephenson, Melissa Espina,Iris Stunzi, Stephen Seguin, Miriam Johnson and Laura Fedynyszyn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_eLdmaC6NI/AAAAAAAAAfg/LZi1MnCjxbs/s1600-h/DSC02859c.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_eLdmaC6NI/AAAAAAAAAfg/LZi1MnCjxbs/s200/DSC02859c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185766836582672594" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_eLdmaC6OI/AAAAAAAAAfo/JYj7IxE5pr0/s1600-h/DSC02833c.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_eLdmaC6OI/AAAAAAAAAfo/JYj7IxE5pr0/s200/DSC02833c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185766836582672610" /></a><br />We spent most of this week transforming our studio into a gallery space… by clearing our stuff, painting the walls, and putting up our work to prepare for the final exhibition.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_dIZGaC6CI/AAAAAAAAAeI/b8b7HgyXA0Y/s1600-h/DSC02872.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_dIZGaC6CI/AAAAAAAAAeI/b8b7HgyXA0Y/s200/DSC02872.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185693091994200098" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_dIZWaC6DI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/Ji_CCRucg8A/s1600-h/DSC02890.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_dIZWaC6DI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/Ji_CCRucg8A/s200/DSC02890.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185693096289167410" /></a>To launch our end of year show, on Friday April 4th we held a live internet conference between the OCAD campus in Florence and the OCAD campus in Toronto. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_dT12aC6HI/AAAAAAAAAew/G3FrfdEKeiY/s1600-h/DSC02878.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 5px 5px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_dT12aC6HI/AAAAAAAAAew/G3FrfdEKeiY/s200/DSC02878.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185705680543344754" /></a>We showed some of our work, talked a bit about it and also gave a tour of the studio. This was held at 10:00-11:00 am EST in room 287, 113 McCaul St. in Toronto. Here are a few photographs from our view of the broadcast; a photo of Mike Vigneux and Michelle Galletta speaking about their work, the view that we had on our monitor of our first term professor Peter Sramek and everyone, and also a picture of our second term professor Martha Ladly and our technician John Brown who made this work from our end. Peraurim Exhibit then commenced at the studio in Florence with an Opening Party at 6:00-9:00p.m. CEST and will continue through till Saturday April 5th from 1:00-6:00p.m.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_dJwGaC6GI/AAAAAAAAAeo/9iC8AyRoWyQ/s1600-h/DSC02883.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_dJwGaC6GI/AAAAAAAAAeo/9iC8AyRoWyQ/s200/DSC02883.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185694586642819170" /></a> The show includes paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, video, installation, animation, printmaking and design… a collection of some of work we have created throughout the year.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_dIZWaC6EI/AAAAAAAAAeY/l8B36QQNWl8/s1600-h/DSC03009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TPPMCH-vnTE/R_dIZWaC6EI/AAAAAAAAAeY/l8B36QQNWl8/s200/DSC03009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185693096289167426" /></a>Antonellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07649560585785858441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-11175785649130784522008-04-01T18:48:00.003-04:002008-04-01T19:08:24.393-04:00Triumphal Arches in Rome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WOa8iFtR72M/R_LAExxcipI/AAAAAAAAAAY/bnS8ghCe5H0/s1600-h/roma+114.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WOa8iFtR72M/R_LAExxcipI/AAAAAAAAAAY/bnS8ghCe5H0/s320/roma+114.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184417309369600658" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 200%;"> The Roman Forum contains several examples of triumphal arches. These are structures built to celebrate success in a war and celebrate the victories of Rome. They usually include inscriptions and depictions of battle scenes from the time they were made, as well as sometimes scenes from the past. One of the most well-known arches in Rome is the Arch of Constantine. It was created in 315 CE, to commemorate the Battle of Milvian Bridge, between Constantine and Maxentius . The arch is built of brick and marble and actually made up of parts of older monuments, as well as parts built after the battle of Milvian Bridge. The Archway includes an inscription describing his triumph and dedicating the monument to Constantine in the name of the Senate and the Roman people. The main focus of the arch is a narrative frieze of battles leading to the battle at the Milvian bridge, and the battle itself. Constantine's victory is shown, as well as a victory ceremony of him addressing his people, with the Arches of Septimius Severus and Titus in the background. The arch also shows deities. Victoria, the goddess of victory in the supporting columns. She is used symbolically to portray the triumph in battle in various triumphal arches. Also shown on small roundels are the Sun God and Moon.</p><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 200%;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 200%;" align="left">Sources:<span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />Scarre, Chris. </span><u>Historical Atlas of Ancient Rome.</u><span style="text-decoration: none;"> Pinguin Books. London, England. 1995</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 200%;" align="left"> </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 200%;" align="left"> </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 200%;" align="left"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Seindal, Rene. </span><u>Arch of Constantine, Rome</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 128);"><u>http://sights.seindal.dk</u></span>. 1998.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 200%;" align="left"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 200%;"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 200%;"> </p>Irishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02947106570835563805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-64705547979422220922008-04-01T17:49:00.002-04:002008-04-01T18:39:51.221-04:00the Campanile<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WOa8iFtR72M/R_K5YBxcioI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/OzNnKF9adrY/s1600-h/from+Nick+370.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WOa8iFtR72M/R_K5YBxcioI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/OzNnKF9adrY/s320/from+Nick+370.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184409943500688002" border="0" /></a><br /> The bell tower next to the cathedral in Florence was designed by Giotto, and built between 1334 and 1359. Giotto began the construction of the dome, and it was later taken over by Andrea Pisano. Several relief sculptures on the campanile are also attributed to Pisano. The panels on the lower part of the tower depit the history of mankind, while other parts of the campanile show themes such as the "Theological and Cardinal Virtues" and "the Planets".<br /> From the top of the campanile, one has a beautiful view of Florence, including the Duomo. While the Duomo attracts most tourists, the campanile is somewhat quieter and I found the hike up the stairs a bit easier and less claustrophobic. However, if you plan a visit to the Campanile, time it appropriately. The bells ring every hour and half hour and if you're anywhere near them, you may have to stop and plug your ears for a few minutes.Irishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02947106570835563805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-30413703542170907582008-03-23T12:52:00.003-04:002008-03-23T13:00:58.545-04:00Buona Pasqua in Firenze<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/R-aLKaMQKVI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Ut6UHlRuCvE/s1600-h/florenceEasterCows.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/R-aLKaMQKVI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Ut6UHlRuCvE/s320/florenceEasterCows.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180981432281999698" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If you missed the blowing up of the cart in front of Santa Maria del Fiore, you might have seen these wonderful Chiana cows being walked through the streets of Florence. They are beautiful animals, one of the oldest breeds of cattle in Italy, bred in Tuscany, they date from Roman times, and are revered throughout Italy for their wonderful temperaments and delicious meat. These lovely cattle were very beautiful on their promenade through Florence, and seemed relaxed in all of their Easter finery.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-89031686320836665722008-03-20T19:18:00.009-04:002008-03-21T15:38:23.622-04:00The tree of life at Orvieto Cathedral<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/R-LxS6MQKTI/AAAAAAAAAIo/O2tAi3JXtCY/s1600-h/IMG_0047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/R-LxS6MQKTI/AAAAAAAAAIo/O2tAi3JXtCY/s320/IMG_0047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179967828590078258" border="0" /></a>This exquisite sculptural rendition of the tree of life adorns the facade of the cathedral at Orvieto. If you click on the image you will see the details of the carving, and depictions of the creation, the births of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, The Temptation, the Expulsion from the Garden, and the acquisition of agriculture and learning.<br /><br />The facade of Orvieto was designed by the Sienese Lorenzo Maitani c. 1310. The sculptural decoration is in varying styles, the distinguishing feature being an extraordinarily low and delicate relief.<br /><br />On the opposite side of the main door, is pictured, in extraordinary detail, the Day of Judgement.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/R-QOeqMQKUI/AAAAAAAAAIw/oUES0PFdvzs/s1600-h/IMG_0052.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/R-QOeqMQKUI/AAAAAAAAAIw/oUES0PFdvzs/s320/IMG_0052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180281391267457346" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-88183334378712392262008-03-20T16:02:00.005-04:002008-03-20T16:13:58.189-04:00Italy in the time of carciofi!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/R-LE7qMQKSI/AAAAAAAAAIg/VCxhZRJkohg/s1600-h/IMG_0042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E5dAzjWavxQ/R-LE7qMQKSI/AAAAAAAAAIg/VCxhZRJkohg/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179919050646497570" border="0" /></a><br />Carciofi: artichokes! Beautiful and abundant at this time of year in Italy, and so many varieties, from tiny ones without chokes, to these large purple globe artichokes we found in the market in Orvietto; you can slice them fresh and have them raw in salads, fry them in olive oil and add parmiggiano, boil them with butter and lemon juice, or just admire their beauty!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-74163585750822012122008-03-18T09:46:00.001-04:002008-03-18T10:15:48.000-04:00ASCII Colosseum<pre><span><span style="color:BLACK;">MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />ddddhdhmdddhhmmMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />hhyohhooyhoyomoNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />+y++/:-//::-ss/hNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />`::```.. ` `/..omMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />`-: -..-.. ../-`./NMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />o/:`s/.oo``o/: `o-yNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />`:`.` :`` . -` /dMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />` :``.... ` `.. `./dMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br /> - `.```` -: ``.+NMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />` +.`..`..`..:o:-..`.sdNNNNNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />` + . +o+ -+ ...-+mMMMmMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />//s+++/+ydd++oyoo+/:::++mhhyhdMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />o/+s/y/+yo+//o+hNNMMMMNMMNmmmMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />oooho+++ooo+//ohhNMNmmhhhNh:/yMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />::-d:`--shhss+.dymmmNNmd+/mo-MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />mm/s`.:hNNMMMN+soohNMMMMNsoy-dMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />mhsy`:ohMMMMmM+o+shMMMMMMmsh/smMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />`-++. -oyyyyhNo:o`:NMMMdMN`N .dNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />/-/. `. `.hh`o `-/+yhdM-d. .dMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />dds:- .ddddddsm`o +++/ohM/s: sdNMNNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />//:h.`.:/-:::+-s+.:-sosshy+N:+-/sddNNMNmmmMMMMMNNMMMMMM<br />//+h:/+/+++++oosyoooo++oss+yos/:/+ddhydmhddMMMMNNmddmmo<br />os+o+:/::::-.--:/MmhMdMMNNMMMMMMMMNmMmdmmmdNmdmdNMMNm+<br />+o/o--os/+o:/:/+ymdhmMMMMNMmNdhNmMNmdmmm++mMMMMMmsmNNNm<br />`- -m `./so:..:NNNmMMMMNdNMdomNMMMNmMMsyNNMMNhhshdNNM<br />MN/.m.-:yNMMMMNs:NsmdMMMMMNddN:oyhyMMNMMh-hsMMh.`yN/MMM<br />MMM+h/:/MMMMMMMNom-hmMMMMMMNhM/hd/dhMMMMN+NmMMNy`sMdMMM<br />MMMos-.:MMMMMMMMsmyyhMMMMMMM/Nsod-mMMMMMMmdMMMMMd:dyMMM<br />MMMo+/ .MMMMMMMM:d::sMMMMMMM+hy.mssMMMMMMMMmMMMMM++dMMM<br />MMMo+s `NMMMMMMM+so/yMMMMMMMosd.hm+MMMMMMMMNMMMMM++MMMM<br />MMMh:+``mNNmNmmmyy/.-dddmmmmyyo-omyddNMMMMMMMMMMMmhdMMM<br />.`.+M.-/s-.```:/+M.``.ohoooyhNmssM+`.hMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />:::+m:++/////:+//m+/+sossoosoyyhyyyyydMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />o//+:s+/+/---::+/+MMMdNMMMMNMMMMMNNdmMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />++/+/o+++o+++//++yNmNymMMMMMMMNNNMNmddMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />-/.`:No ::.:+o++..dMMyMNMMMmmmMNdmdmNNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />MNdy+mm:-sNMMMMMmsdMMNMMMMMMNdmm/dMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />MMMMNmm/oMMMMMMMMddNNMMMMMMMMNmMsdMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />MMMMNm/.+MMMMMMMMosNhNMMMMMMMMMMymMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />MMMMhhs`+MMMMMMMMy/MhNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />MMMMm++-mMMMMMMMMdsmyMMMMMMMMMMMMMNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />MMMMsomhNMMMMMMMMNdMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />MMMMhyhmMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />MNMMMNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM<br />-hNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmNdmd//s+y:/MMMMMMMM<br /><br />Here's an ASCII image of part of the Colosseum. I had<br />to crop the photo because of the narrow margins of the<br />blog, but you can sort of see the arches.<br />I wrote my Rome essay about the 20,000 slaves that<br />built this theatre, and what slavery means today.<br />Luckily I didn't have to employ any slaves (or effort)<br />making this... http://www.text-image.com/ is just one<br />of many automatic ASCII generation sites online.<br /></span></span></pre>James Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05215484569309721116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-78341939907237806462008-03-18T05:45:00.003-04:002008-03-18T06:02:22.621-04:00Roma<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_451iDF_2xig/R9-S24jlhAI/AAAAAAAAAAc/Mt2Tt_efpU8/s1600-h/P1040023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_451iDF_2xig/R9-S24jlhAI/AAAAAAAAAAc/Mt2Tt_efpU8/s320/P1040023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179019568091595778" border="0" /></a><br />The sweetest place in Rome has to be the Map Room in the Vatican. Having worked heavily with maps last semester as collage materials, I was amazed at the beauty and scale of the frescos. It was originally created for Pope Gregory XIII, was started in 1581 and completed only one year later. I was particularly interested in the maps in the context of truth and fiction. They were meant to be accurate depictions of regions in Italy, but mixed with the jagged coasts and mountain ranges of the maps, are sea monsters and other mythic figures. One has to wonder to what degree these beasts were believed to be real, back when they were painted. If the maps were presented as truths, than were the monsters presented in this light as well?Laura Fedynyszynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10755145484723361664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-2202159227204981962008-03-14T13:47:00.001-04:002008-03-14T13:49:25.300-04:00The Great Cathedral in Florence<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0yY8S7DnUj0/R9q6l1zsTII/AAAAAAAAAAM/r7ZrH3GGp2c/s1600-h/dome.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0yY8S7DnUj0/R9q6l1zsTII/AAAAAAAAAAM/r7ZrH3GGp2c/s320/dome.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177655880877624450" /></a><br />As much time as I love to spend in the downtown core of Florence, I find myself drifting away from the center just as often. All of the winding roads I walk encourage me to explore this place, right down to the intricate details of it’s fascinating culture. I notice many contrasts in this city and each of them seem to thrive off one another in order to keep this old city alive. The preservation of architecture throughout numerous centuries, the mass-consumerism and tourism flooding the downtown area, the diversity of ethnicities, and the love for artistic expression, whether it be from the renaissance or from artists much like ourselves. These traits can be found not only scattered throughout the city, but also colliding at one central point. The ringing strings of our guitars and beats of our bongo drum has helped us in meeting people from all over the world. The same place where people have worshipped for centuries, and the same spot where Brunelleschi overcame huge obstacles in the construction of his monstrous cathedral. It is in Piazza di Porta San Giovanni where the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore towers far above any other structure in Florence. The intricate detail of this cathedral is so incredible it almost becomes overwhelming, but for me it is the recent memories I have been fortunate enough to salvage that I will never forget.Rob Palmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01758954306479249326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-51895311293275590832008-03-11T18:42:00.006-04:002008-03-13T04:13:38.150-04:00Rome post<div>So I wrote some haikus.</div><br /><div>here is one on Rome in general:</div><div></div><br /><div>Rome: Tourists with sass,</div><div>Monument, monument, church,</div><div>Damn, this stuff is OLD.</div><br /><div></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oPFOWLUKipc/R9cRvy8bLnI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/j4958J-cbFA/s1600-h/IMG_3824.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176625809512410738" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 334px; height: 281px;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oPFOWLUKipc/R9cRvy8bLnI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/j4958J-cbFA/s320/IMG_3824.JPG" border="0" height="258" width="323" /></a>Now here are some on my essay topic, the Vestal Virgins, the only female priesthood in Ancient Rome. We saw their temple in the Roman Forum. Just for some general information, the Vestal Virgins were a group of young woman chosen to tend to the sacred fire of Vesta, Vesta being the pagan goddess of the hearth. The fire they tended was the symbolic hearth of the Roman people, symbolizing the heart of Rome. The women were sworn to celibacy (hence Vestal VIRGINS) and if they broke this oath, or let the sacred fire housed in the temple of Vesta go out, they were BURIED ALIVE! Anyway the Temple of Vesta remained active until Christianity became prevalent and pagan cults were banned in 394 CE.<br /><div></div><div>The haikus:</div><br /><div>Porcal sings the lore:</div><div>Virgins! Temples! Sacred fires!<br />Buried alive? Hottt!</div><br /><div></div><div>I guess this job comes</div><div>With perks: Free food, swiming pools.<br />But cults? Not my thang.</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>For Roman women</div><div><em>Pater-Familias</em> ruled.</div><div>But for Vestals? Nope!<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08518308985946063762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966746711979330321.post-5255342606370460292008-03-11T18:30:00.000-04:002008-03-11T18:33:14.135-04:00Time VS. Architecture<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kDhnYxwbICg/R9cIkSlP33I/AAAAAAAAAAc/LzmbxTVwlk0/s1600-h/DSC_1670.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176615716242055026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kDhnYxwbICg/R9cIkSlP33I/AAAAAAAAAAc/LzmbxTVwlk0/s320/DSC_1670.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>alan2008http://www.blogger.com/profile/12132504743418701232noreply@blogger.com0