Creativity Takes Flight: Student Finds Inspiration in Study Abroad Experience
April 23, 2008
Florence, Italy
SU Florence student Zoe Nemetz has received the Grand Prize for her design work in the Surtex International Student Design Competition. Zoe is a student in the Surface Pattern Design Program of the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University.
More than 100 students from twenty-two countries around the world submitted entries related to this year’s theme, “Movement.” Submissions were accepted in four categories: Apparel/Personal Accessories, Commercial Interior, Home Elements and Stationery/Paper Products/Craft.
Zoe received the Grand Prize for her stationery design Fly Away which was inspired by “travel and flight.” The design was created as part of a project for a design course at Syracuse University in fall ‘07. Zoe says she had traveled extensively in the United States, and her upcoming semester abroad in Florence influenced her choice of design and category: “I was interested in the idea of travel and I chose the stationery category because it is a way to connect your travel experiences with your family and friends.” The Grand Prize includes $1,000, but Zoe is most excited about the professional opportunities it offers. She will be flown to New York City and provided with accommodation for the duration of the 2008 SURTEX Conference (May 18-20. 2008), plus a one-week internship in the design industry. This summer Zoe has an internship in the Textile Department of Martha Stewart, and she’s looking forward to the juxtaposition with her experience here in Florence. “My time here has provided me an awareness of artisanal methods that no longer exist in the US,” says Zoe, “and I’ve been exposed to new materials and methods of design. My design project this semester was inspired by gilding on the altarpieces which are ubiquitous in Italy.”
Jill Morgenweck, also studying at SUF this semester and another VPA Major at Syracuse, won an honorable mention at the same contest. She submitted a design called Street Rider, drawing on her younger brother for both inspiration and information on her target audience. Joel has devoted most of his life to his passion for skateboarding and is now on his way to becoming a professional skater. Jill’s intimacy with her subject clearly paid off, resulting in a powerful design and earning her an honorable mention, despite the fact that she considered her submission “risky” since it was created for a target audience which was very different from the Jury’s industry professionals. “This competition is about having the opportunity to meet professionals in my chosen field and to receive their feedback on my work,” says Jill.
