Inspiration from Florence, Italy

My recent trip to Florence, Italy with my wife proved to be incredible. With an Italian family heritage I found it to be much more meaningful on a personal level than I anticipated. Without sounding cliche, I truly had the sense that I had connected with my roots. There were so many special experiences including the country side, the food, the wine, the architecture... I could go on and on. The two most special to me were the people and especially the art. I love the sense of style of the Florentines. Everyone, even the people living on the street wear designer glasses and shoes. Italians in general are known for their sense of design and style. The locals all know of and are very proud of their history. As Americans look to movie and sports celebrities as heroes, the people of Florence look to the masters of the Renaissance. I learned from my two new friends, Francessco and Christiano, that Michelangelo is truly seen as a great hero of Firenzé who not only contributed the greatest art of all history but also in saving the city using bed mattresses as barriers against cannon ball fire. The art of Michelangelo completely moved me. Never in my life have I experienced such beauty, greatness and passion in the creations of an artist. I truly believe he is the master of all ages never to be surpassed. He is the expression of a true Renaissance man mastering sculpture, painting and architecture.

The work following is just a small reflection of the impression the trip had on me. I designed this for my good friends Juri and Kinley Sbandati who hosted the trip. They both are truly wonderful people and I felt inspired to help them in their brand identity. The photography shown in the website pages are shots that I took on our trip. The experience in a sense returned me to my time as a young designer mentoring under a great designer and teacher, Michael Manwaring. Many considered him to be a modern day Renaissance designer. From him I learned beauty in design, attention to detail, passion for perfection, and personal integrity in conducting myself as a professional. The time in Italy reminded me why I love design so. Design is more than just to sell something, at times, it can simply be to express beauty, passion and the heart of an individual.

My trip to Italy has left a deep impression on me.