BU Student’s Participation in the Venice Studio Arts Program Allows for Exploration in the Creative Arts Abroad

in Global Matters, Uncategorized
October 2nd, 2024

Seeking Inspiration in Treasured Classics, Pushing Artistic Boundaries Contribute to Incredible Experience   

From her early years spent sketching to her discovery of Photoshop in high school, Boston University student Lilia Geguchadze (CFA ’25) has always been drawn to the creative arts. She knew she wanted to pursue this interest in college, and from there, the idea of a full-time career path in visual storytelling began to unfold.

To help bring this future to fruition, Geguchadze sought a program that would allow her to expand her knowledge while also empowering her to explore various fields. The College of Fine Arts at BU, with its multitude of opportunities and emphasis on interactive learning experiences, stood out among others. Additionally, having been raised in Maine, Geguchadze was looking for a way to combine the hustle-and-bustle of big-city life while also staying near her family. Boston University being at the heart of a vibrant metropolitan area made it the perfect setting to achieve her goals.

However, these weren’t the only goals she had in mind. Soon enough, Geguchadze’s aspirations led her to look beyond the United States. Studying abroad would provide her with the opportunity to challenge herself personally, professionally, and creatively.

“I had never been outside of the U.S. And that’s something that really intimidates me. I thought, what better way to do that in a very manageable step than to do it through a [study abroad] program?”

As a result, she decided to try the Venice Studio Arts program offered through Boston University Study Abroad. This opportunity provides students with the ability to learn and grow their creative skills via classes in Italy, a location well-known for its rich artistic heritage.

Geguchadze had set off to immerse herself in a new culture and experience. Arriving in Italy, although she encountered warmth and hospitality, she initially struggled in adjusting to such a big change. However, with the help of her peers, she was able to navigate these challenges and form wonderful new friendships. “It took me a little bit of time, but because I had other people who were kind of going through the same thing, it was a little bit easier,” Geguchadze says reflecting on the experience.

Right away, she noticed how a difference in lifestyle influenced the classroom setting as well.  “The program was a little bit different [from those in the U.S.], because they really allowed us to work on whatever project we were assigned,” she says.

Geguchadze created a lot of art during the semester, and her favorite was a book re-design project pictured above. “We had to choose a book that we had a connection to and interpret and re-design the cover. We then had to create a new second cover that is inspired by our re-design, but the new cover had to be inspired by Venice,” she explains.

Compared to the fast-paced setting she was used to in the United States, Geguchadze found the Italian lifestyle to be more relaxing. These qualities were also mirrored in her Italian lectures. She was deeply impacted by this style of teaching, specifically because it placed a strong emphasis on encouraging individual expression and creativity.

Beyond the classroom, Geguchadze was also able to explore a multitude of sites that Italy had to offer. In fact, she believes the picturesque environment of northern Italy is what helps inspire and contribute to her professors’ creativity. Here, Geguchadze recalls, “I think the reason why a lot of them have a lot of appreciation for what they do was because you would walk outside, and all the buildings are historic, the museums are filled with paintings and sculptures that I never even fathomed I’d be able to see. And they get to live there.”

Having undergone such a life-changing experience, Geguchadze now looks to the future for a way to utilize and apply everything she has learned.

“I mean, it was a big experience. So, it’s bound to impact my choices… I’m still trying different things out and figuring out what sector of graphic design I want to work in. But I started considering internships outside of the U.S. because I’ve learned about how strong the graphic design programs are in Europe. And now that I have connections in Italy, they could point me in the right direction.”

Overall, Geguchadze’s study abroad experience has enabled her to step outside of her comfort zone in a way that positively promotes growth and development. She has discovered new potential within graphic design that she did not previously know about, and these lifelong lessons are sure to remain with her as she heads into her future career.