»Firenze Decorativa

Sarah Sanders’s Firenze Decorativa developed during the January 2025 travel course The Beauty of Ideas: An Experience of Florence, through her exploration of traditional Florentine marbled paper. Inspired by the city’s longstanding appreciation for hand-crafted design, Sarah studied the marbling technique firsthand with local artisans, learning about its layered history and evolution in Italy. Her project culminated in a hand-bound book that features both traditional and original marbled patterns. Drawing influence from various Florentine art forms—including painting, sculpture, architecture, and even perfume—Sarah created designs that reflect the diversity and detail of the city’s aesthetic culture. The work is both a tribute to a centuries-old craft and a personal interpretation of Florence’s artistic atmosphere, emphasizing how individual creativity can connect with tradition in meaningful ways. 

Student lead: Sarah Sanders (Graphic Design BFA, Minor in Italian Studies, 2025)