I have been so busy lately--I've hardly had time to post on my blog! The good news is, I have a wealth of new images to show for my hard work. Here is the progression of my painting final so far (over the course of five sessions). The last image is the most recent. 

Check out the first draft of my artist statement here:

            On January 31^st, as I frantically sorted through my suitcase at the airport and abandoned "extra" pieces of clothing in the trunk of my parents' car, I realized just how difficult it is to fit most of your life in a less-than-fifty-pounds suitcase—or at least the important parts. "Only bring the essentials," I'd been told time and time again, as I planned and packed for a semester in Italy. Several weeks later, once Id settled into my new home in Cortona, I was able to reevaluate what had made the cut.

            One afternoon sitting in my Tuscan room I noticed a tangle of belongings on my bedside table: A scattering of paintbrushes and other artist tools, a green knit hat, a tube of lotion, a necklace, a bag of pasta, a purple box and the jewelry it contained, among other vibrant clutter. Judging by these seemingly random items, one might not assume that I'd heeded anyone's "practical" advice. However, I do use these treasures almost every day. Most of the items I brought with me here (as well as the things I've collected on this trip) hold very personal significance, which is why I decided to paint this “still life-self portrait." These are my “essentials.”

            From the brushes and palette knife I inherited from my grandmother, to Italian corks reminiscent of recent nights with friends, this image represents me as well as many of the people who I care about. Every single object in this recreated bedside table display holds sentimental value; most of the things you see have been given to me or acquired with the people that I love. The cheerful colors, warm lighting, and an overarching feeling of organized chaos echo how I live my life—often flying by the seat of my pants, but with constant support from friends and family. An ordinary still life becomes a personal glimpse into my life and the people who have given so much to me over the years. And I don't only mean the items in this display... 

It is a GORGEOUS day here, back in Cortona.  This is the best weather we've had yet!  I just couldn't stay inside to paint my still life during painting class, so I took a quick picture and moved my supplies and aisle out front to the yard... An inspiring atmosphere indeed :)

Left: Sketch of Michelangelo's famous statue David, found at the Academia, and a skeleton from Museo la Specola (pencil)

Right: A view of Firenze and keepsakes (pencil)

Field trip! Four beautiful days in Firenze (Florence)

Left: Keeping track of symbols and pattern for my next metals assignment--a charm bracelet or other "memory" inspired piece of jewelry inspired by my visit to Florence--and a sketch of the "Flying Mercury" statue, found at the Bargello Museum

Right: Studies of Botticelli's Birth of Venus and the Primavera, both found at the Uffizi gallery

Left: Sketches from Sienese art and architecture (pen)

Right: Stream of consciousness; read from the bottom up (pen)

"Ciao! Mi chiamo Kelsey.

Io sono di New York.
Sono 20 anni.
Mi piace futbol.
...Ciao!"

I picked up these phrases earlier today, just before introducing myself to a group of fourth graders.  I will be volunteering at the Comune di Cortona Scuola Elementare--an elementary school in town--with some other Art Education students this semester, and I could not be more delighted. 
I did't have room in my schedule to take the actual Art Education class offered here on the Cortona program, but the professor is allowing me to tag along with her students for the trips to the school.  Four times throughout the semester, I will be assisting one of the Art Ed students teach their lesson plan to Italian children.  I feel comfortable teaching and working with kids in English.  A class of twelve Italian boys and two girls, on the other hand, is going to be a challenge.  I am hoping to gain some unique communication skills from this experience that will allow me to instruct in a more visual, physical way, working around the language barrier to develop other ways of understanding.  So far, even with the little Italian that I do know, things have gone pretty well.  One mention of the word "futbol," and I had the whole class cheering...

 I will be posting pictures of the art we'll be making together soon.
Photos: (Top) Comune di Cortona Scuola Elementare; (Bottom) Margaret, a volunteer, Jackie, an Art Education major--and teacher--and I, right after orientation!

  Continued work on the Teatro Signorelli tray (unfinished).
I painted "white slip" (a soupy white clay mixture) onto the surface and worked back in with a carving tool.  When the clay is fired, areas with the white slip will be very pale in contrast to the darker terracotta.  This makes it it easier for lighter glazes--like the turquoise I am planning on using--to show up.

Duomo Cathedral bowl (unfinished).
I added the clay stars and applied more white slip...