BUNDLE OF BURNED ROSES
(ITALY STUDY ABROAD)
Going abroad meant understanding different walks of life. Just being able to be there in the precense of something incredibly different changes the perspective of an individual. Especially when you travel to Europe, because of its rich history you have to wonder how long a country has been able to thrive and keep its culture for hundreds of if not thousands of years including the Roman Empire. That longevity is something us Americans do not have, and it definitey factors into culture.
Exploring cities like Milan, Venice, Florence, and San Miniato, my mind became more involved in the peaceful and loving nature of those cities. In Milan, the pace was faster and more modern compared to the other cities, but there was an aspect of passion that the people have. In Florence, it was that charming historical city with a love for fashion and art. I am heavily inspired by renaissance artwork as well as many historical catholic pieces.
Studying abroad in Italy was a chance to understand the culture and the history of leather craft. Exploring cities like Milan, Venice, Florence, and San Miniato I had the experience to visit tanneries and the Italian design houses. With the opportunity to have a workshop with Georgio Testi, who has been leather crafting for over 50 years, I was tasked to create a leather good by hand within three days. This workshop was under Consorzio Vera Pelle, a leather consortium founded in 1994.
Memento Mori
Burned Leather
Taking inspiration from the life of this flower, including all aspects from the beginning to the end. At
the time, I was starting to realize that my parents are growing older and time started to dawn on me.
I felt like I haven’t been spending enough time with them, I haven’t given back what they have given
me. There was heavy pressure that I couldn’t avoid. The quiet, slower life in San Miniato helped me
reflect and remember that old age is also a part of life. I grounded myself, accepting change and with
this in mind I was ready to create a project that presented this essence
the time, I was starting to realize that my parents are growing older and time started to dawn on me.
I felt like I haven’t been spending enough time with them, I haven’t given back what they have given
me. There was heavy pressure that I couldn’t avoid. The quiet, slower life in San Miniato helped me
reflect and remember that old age is also a part of life. I grounded myself, accepting change and with
this in mind I was ready to create a project that presented this essence
In my ideation stage I came across this burnt piece of leather and ot felt crisp, but also stronger. You could not bend it like you could to normal leather. It my mind it made the leather stronger. Like what doesn’t kill you ma kes you stronger. So I felt it was perfect for the theme that I had going and how during one’s progression of life, you must go through things that will damage you but you will come out of those situations with a new understanding of life to help with the path ahead of you.
Hand-Making Process
Final Result
Here is a slideshow of the many pictures I took a
long the way!