diva ideas student exhibit catalog

DIVA IDEASDIVA IDEAS

photo by Neal Johnson

STU D E N T E X H I B I T F A L L 1 4

This catalog gathers a selection of works and projects produced by

the students of DIVA and IDEAS during the Fall 2014 Academic Season.

Media include photographic, illustration and graphic design, video, rich

multimedia, and interior design works developed with the students’ high

motivation and desire to leave a visible trace of their presence in Florence.

While the works chosen for this exhibit represent a selection from each course,

our thanks and appreciation must also go to all the students whose work is

not represented here but whose efforts should be acknowledged.

The Fall 2014 Student Exhibit marks a year of intense and stimulating activity

at Florence University of the Arts. It is our hope that the talents of our students

will continue to flourish in their future careers. In bocca al lupo!

G i u l i o V i n c i

STU D E N T E X H I B I T F A L L 1 4


D I V A I N T R O D U C T I O N T O D I G I T A L P H O T O G R A P H Y

M a c k e n z i e K o l l i n g

Fort Worth, Texas - USA

Baylor University

S H E E T S

Digital print - 60 x 42 cm

For this work, I wanted to create a simple series with minimal elements, focusing on texture and

movement as I interact with a personal space. In these photographs, I am in my bed, a space that is

foreign yet familiar. I am confi ned to it, yet still moving freely within it. I capture the moments of falling

asleep and rising from it, and the imprints these actions have left on the sheets that surround me.

S T U D E N T ’ S M U L T I M E D I A F I N A L E X H I B I T F A L L 2 0 1 4

R a c h e l G a l v e z

Waco, Texas - USA

Baylor University

S E L F R E F L E C T I O N S


My desire was to portray the relationship and interaction between one’s reality and one’s inner self.

I chose to transform myself into an atmospheric, dream-like world, representing the imaginary place

in which I interact with my inner self, process my thoughts and emotions, and self reflect. I was

inspired by the drama and theatricality of Baroque paintings.

D I V A I N T R O D U C T I O N T O F A S H I O N P H O T O G R A P H Y

C o u r t n e y K i n g

Austin, Texas - USA

University of Oregon

U N T I T L E D



E m m a E l l i o t t

Austin, Texas - USA

University of Northern Colorado

U N T I T L E D


D I V A I N T R O D U C T I O N T O F A S H I O N P H O T O G R A P H Y

L u s i A r a r g i l

Egg Harbor Township, NJ - USA

St. Joseph’s University

U N T I T L E D


D I V A S T R E E T P H O T O G R A P H Y

E m i l y M a d i g a n

Vidalia, Illinois - USA

Columbia College

P O R T R A I T S


When I was taking these

photographs I was working off my

gut instinct and social cues in order

to find my subject. I sought out the

subjects by walking around some

non-tourist sights to find the locals.

It is important for me to make them

feel comfortable, so

I spent a few minutes with each.

I noticed I am more drawn to the

older and more textured people.

I was not looking for all the dog

presences or male figures but it is

what I ended up with.

This assignment has helped

me break a barrier with local

Florentines. I’ve learned that people

here are rather easy to talk to and

laugh with. Some are shy but if you

smile and compliment them, the

subject opens up. The spirit of

Florentine people is positive

and it is easy to see!


H a n n a h J a m r o n

Orange, Connecticut - USA

Suffolk University

T H E S E L F I E


Humans are beginning to live for documenting life events with photos and online posts, instead of

actually living the event. Last year Time Magazine’s word of the year was “Selfie,” and after that you

could not help but observe the boom of this odd behaviour everywhere you looked. It went from

being a social deviance of taking photos of yourself, to a social norm. Now, there are men walking

around the streets making a living off of selling sticks that help you take selfies. This photo shows

the epitome of the “selfie movement” as he makes contact with me while snapping the photo

of himself. Ah humans, the multitaskers.


N e a l J o h n s o n

Wilton, Iowa - USA

University of Northern Iowa

U N T I T L E D


Being from the rural Midwest, train stations are new to

me. Big or small, they always seem to offer neat lines,

light, or architecture.


S a m u e l B a r n e s

Peotone, Illinois - USA

Indiana State University

W A L K I N G S M O K E


Our moments in life move by so fast, we are like smoke disappearing into the void.

Leaving only traces of ourselves to be found.

A D V A N C E D D I G I T A L P H O T O G R A P H Y F A L L 2 0 1 4

B l a k e D e t h e r a g e

Springfield, Illinois - USA

Robert Morris University

H I N D S I G H T


D I V A A D V A N C E D D I G I T A L P H O T O G R A P H Y

M a t t h e w S h e g o g

Calumet City, Illinois - USA

Robert Morris University

L I V E B Y T H E P A I N T , D I E B Y T H E F U M E S


“Live by the Paint, Die by the Fumes,” offers a rare glimpse into the underground

world of Florentine graffiti culture. I choose to shoot this project in black and

white to prevent the various different colors of paint from distracting from

my original goal; capturing the essence and atmosphere surrounding the

production of the many pieces of street art that I see on a daily basis.

D I V A I L L U S T R A T I O N A N D C A R T O O N I N G A R T S

E l i z a b e t h R a g o

Lafayette, California - USA

Baylor University

H E M I N G W A Y


My name is Elizabeth Rago. I’m from Lafayette,

California and attend Baylor University as a

Painting and French major. This piece is called,

“Quirky Writers,” and was created by free

drawing and then using Photoshop.

C h e l s e a K o z m a

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina - USA

Clemson University

T H E W O R L D I S A B O O K

Digital print - 15.42cm x23.5cm

Inspired by my travels around Europe, I created

different book covers to represent my favorite

countries, using Photoshop. I will later use this

artwork on 3D hallowed books that will hold all

my treasures and pictures from each place. One

thing I know for sure is that the project will not

be finished when I leave class for the last time.

This is just the beginning of the epic and I am

only a few chapters in.

D I V A V I S U A L C O M M U N I C A T I O N D E S I G N F U N D A M E N T A L S S T U D I O I

D a n n y O ’ S h e a

Galena, Illinois - USA


U N T I T L E D


Restaurant branding and packaging for a modern Greek establishment I developed based on my research and

analysis of the young American market. My logo embodies all attributes of my specific market - young, vibrant

and energetic. I used a rich blue, subdued greys, and white to promote the masculinity of the theme and to

immediately attract potential customer’s attention. I chose to use clean and bold typography to compliment the

line work in the logo, maintain continuity and legibility throughout.


S p e n c e r S i s s e l m a n

Cape Elizabeth, Maine - USA

J U N K S T Y L E P U N K S T Y L E

Digital print - 30 x 10.3 cm

My name is Spencer Sisselman. I’m from Cape Elizabeth, Maine and I’m 18

years old. This piece “JUNK STYLE PUNK STYLE” is supposed to stray from

the norm. My first thought when I imagined re-using found objects for interior

design, was a house with a cottage feel. I pictured rustic images and furniture

with a country feeling. I stepped away from that idea and introduce

PUNK STYLE. This book has an alternative and edgy feel. The dimensions are

30cm X 10.3cm X 2.5cm. It bold. This is not your normal Interior design book.

D I V A V I S U A L C O M M U N I C A T I O N D E S I G N F U N D A M E N T A L S S T U D I O I I I

A m a n d a R i c c i a r d i

Philadelphia, PA - USA

P E A R S

This piece was inspired by the young, hip,

stay-at-home mother, with lots of time and

money to spend. She see’s herself as cultured

and trendy, but extremely tasteful with a good

eye for design. This cookbook is not only a guide

for untraditional pear dishes to impress her guests

with, but a decorative element for her to display

on her corner of her counter space that would go

perfectly with the cookbook stand she bought

handmade from an artisan abroad.

L A C A S A L O C A

For this project, I am branding a Mexican

restaurant influenced by a small neighbourhood

in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The people of this

neighbourhood, Chestnuthill, are

environment-caring, down-to-earth,

fun and artistic individuals who are seeking a

lively place to go on a Friday without having to go

into centre city. La Casa Loca is a restaurant that

supports the community. It houses live music for

local musicians as well as a small gallery for local

artists. These events add to the fun and lively

spirit of the place and makes its consumers feel

connected to it.


B r i a n P o t o p o w i c z

New York, NY - USA

RIT University

T A C O L I B R E

D I V A V I S U A L C O M M U N I C A T I O N D E S I G N F U N D A M E N T A L S S T U D I O I I I

L a u r e n F r o m i n

Hollywood, Florida - USA

RIT University

S T E A K A N D T O M A T O E S R E C I P E B O O K

This recipe book was created for the kind of man who appreciates food and enjoys cooking it.

He is the type of guy who is a doer of all things in life. He cooks, he cleans, he builds things, and

he is constantly learning about something new each day - all while maintaining a stylish attitude

in the process. I felt there was a gap in recipe books provided to this demographic, therefore,

it is intended to please the man who uses it to cook with, along with the lucky people he cooks for.

G U A C N ’ R O L L M E X I C A N C O N C E P T

GuacN’Roll is fun, hip Mexican restaurant that offers an appealing, modern-

rustic environment intended to entertain its customers. The authentic Mexican

street-style fare will surprise most and have them coming back for more.

The colors are bright, the music is loud, but the food is muy sabroso. GuacN’Roll also

offers a line of premium tequila for those who want to take the party home with them.

D I V A I N T R O D U C T I O N T O V I D E O M A K I N G

H i l l a r y H o l u b

Central City, Iowa - USA


K a t h r y n A b r a h a m

Lowell, Massachusetts - USA

T H E W I N E L A D Y

Combination of video, photo, and text.

1920x1080 px

Length is 03:54:03, or 03:55

We chose to create a short film about a place in Florence that captured

the special spirit, or genius loci, of the city. The small family-owned wine

shop, Bacco Nudi, seemed to be an excellent choice for this project.

We sought to portray the positive energy that pervades throughout the shop,

and the workers who dedicate their efforts to pleasing their customers.


M a r c o T u t i n o

Bronx, NY - USA

Le Moyne College

U N T I T L E D

Video

1920x1080 px


D a c i a C a r t e r

Waterloo, Iowa - USA


N e a l J o h n s o n

Wilton, Iowa - USA


F I R E N Z E

Video

1920x1080 px

Length 03:59

Grab dem kleenexes, you’re gonna need

em after you’re done watching this video.


L a u r a P i c a r d

West Simsbury, Connecticut - USA

Boston College

K i m b e r l y A n n S i m m o n s

Naperville, Illinois - USA

Boston College

A R T I N E V E R Y C O R N E R

Video

1920x1080 px

In a bustling city so rich in history and culture, it is easy to get caught up in the tourist attractions and well known works.

While they are beautiful and awe-inspiring, it is important to take the times to discover the little things, the things that make

Florence so unique. One day, we stumbled upon a tiny paint shop and met an unassuming artist, Maurizio Tortelli, who we were

lucky enough to get to know as well as this city that we have called home.

Through this experience, we discovered that the true spirit of Florence is so much more than what meets the eye.

As Maurizio taught us, there truly is art in every corner.


B l a i n e M i c h e l l e

Sammamish, Washington - USA

University of Redlands

L a u r a E l i z a b e t h M a g b e e

Auburn, Georgia - USA

University of Mississippi

P I A Z Z A S A N T O S P I R I T O

Video

1920x1080 px

I D E A S P R O J E C T F O R S U S T A I N A B L E I N T E R I O R D E S I G N

T a y l o r F a r r e l l

Columbia, South Carolina - USA

Winthrop University

F A R M H O U S E R E N O V A T I O N - F A M I L Y A P A R T M E N T


I D E A S I N T E R M E D I A T E I N T E R I O R D E S I G N - I N T R O D U C T I O N T O L I G H T I N G

L a u r e n E c k e r

Saratoga Springs,

NY - USA

Endicott College

T a y l o r F a r r e l l

Columbia, South Carolina - USA

Winthrop University

S a r a h N a r b u r g h

Cicero, NY - USA

Endicott College

T H E T E R R A C E F I N E D I N I N G R E S T A U R A N T


A backyard terrace is the concept behind

“The Terrace.” It represents an intimate

setting while being sustainable, green,

and healthly. through this concept we

have pulled natural materials, as well as a

garden wall, lanterns and mood lighting.

all of this combined together makes

for a young and sophisticated dining

establishment.

I D E A S I N T E R M E D I A T E I N T E R I O R D E S I G N - I N T R O D U C T I O N T O L I G H T I N G

C h e l s e a G l y n n

Rockport, Massachusetts - USA

Endicott College

H a n n a h P i c a r i e l l o

Marblehead, Massachusetts - USA

Endicott College

L a u r a V a r j a b e d i a n

Middleborough, Massachusetts - USA

Endicott College

F A I M A I - T H A I F I N E D I N I N G R E S T A U R A N T


The cultural and traditional aspects of Thailand existed as the inspiration for our restaurant design,

while we also sought to explore the flavors and variety that make up Thai cuisine. The lantern festivals Loi Krathong and

Yi Peng remained a prominent reference and design muse for the design of the restaurant.


K a i t l i n D e s b i e n s

Midland Park, NY - USA

Endicott College

S a b i n a G r a s s o

Cumberland Foreside, Maine - USA

Endicott College

A m a n d a M e r c e r e a u

Manchester, New Hampshire - USA

Endicott College

A L L O R A - V E G E T A R I A N F I N E D I N I N G R E S T A U R A N T


Allora was created from our chefs’ mutual respect and appreciation for pure ingredients, with a strong focus on locally produced,

seasonal fruits and vegetables. Since our opening, we have created relationships with farmers, growers, and members of the

community to develop a precisely focused, unique dining experience that celebrates the fresh produce of each season.

At Allora, we aim to reintroduce dining as an experience which people take time to enjoy and indulge in the five senses.

We believe dining is an enjoyable experience and should be fun, with a fresh and surprising menu, the experience and knowledge

of the dining room staff, and the comforting and modern ambiance of the interior.

Gabriella GanugiFua President

David WeissDIVA Chair

Giulio VinciDIVA and IDEAS Academic Coordinator

DIVAEnrica Quaranta

Introduction to Digital Photography

Jerry Lee IngramIntroduction to Fashion Photography

Jacopo SantiniStreet Photography

Simone PierottiAdvanced Digital Photography

Ivka MarkovicIllustration and Cartooning Arts

Visual Communication Design Fundamentals Studio I

Visual Communication Design Fundamentals Studio III

Juri CianiIntroduction to Creative Videomaking

IDEASJulie Janssen

Project for Sustainable Interior Design I

Claudio RodeghieroIntroduction to Lighting

Giulio VinciIntermediate Interior Design

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Susanna BausiFUA Press Office

Alberto SimoncioniGraphic Layout

Enrica QuarantaFrancesca Gassani

DIVA and IDEAS Staff

December 2014

A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S


www.fua.it | www.ganzoflorence.com

diva ideas student exhibit catalog

Documents

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i o t taustin

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northern coloradou n

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n t r o d u c t i o

josephs university u

e c t i o n sdigital