Scene Spotlight
By Compiled by Christopher DaCosta
Allison Dankberg
? Studio art major
? Class of '06
As a kid, she was copying the characters from Sunday comics and illustrated books. Now, freshman studio art major Allison Dankberg has sketchbooks filled with her own whimsical cartoons.
Dankberg's love of drawing began as a family affair with her mother and sister. "My sister and I have always loved to draw and our mother shares our passion," she said. "Before we were old enough to take classes, we would draw at home with her."
Having taken art courses all throughout elementary, junior high and high school, Dankberg's ultimate realization that she wanted to study art was inspired by a graphic design course she took as a junior in high school.
As her undergraduate career unfolds, Dankberg's course load is primarily geared toward the foundations of being an artist. "I am taking a lot of courses which are designed to teach me the basics that I need to create a platform for my own style, which I have yet to really develop," Dankberg said.
For Dankberg, this is important because she believes that the best way to express herself through artwork is to create her own unique interpretation of a fruit basket or a landscape plucked from her hometown, San Diego.
Initially, Dankberg was quite apprehensive when beginning her studies in the Santa Clara art department. "I was terrified when I began to choose my classes based on art. This is a major which requires a certain amount of natural talent, no matter how much schooling I go through, I still run the risk of not making it in the field of graphic design," Dankberg said.
Dankberg also realized that risked not fully developing one of her passions. "I have continued to stick with it because even if I cannot use my love of art to form my career, I will never wonder whether or not I could have made it."
Perhaps one day, Dankberg's creations will indeed form her career as an animator. "Since I was a little girl, my dream was to watch the characters that I had created dance across the big screen in an animated film," she said enthusiastically. The prospect of becoming an animator was once a dream for Dankberg, now as a studio art major it is definitely a goal she wishes to aspire to.
Danielle Amardo
? Studio art major
? Class of '06
For sophomore French major Danielle Camardo, time is a precious asset. Between choir practices and private piano lessons, this music minor is also a cofounder and participant of an on-campus performance group.
"Lori Jensen and I started SCU's chamber music program last spring. Every quarter since then we have organized a concert toward the end of the quarter," Camardo said.
Camardo describes chamber music as a genre composed specifically for small groups of instrumentalists. Both vocal and instrumental selections are included in chamber music.
Despite being one of the heads of the chamber music program as well as a musician, Camardo greatly enjoys performing, listening, and studying music.
"Music is beautiful, challenging, rewarding, and intellectually stimulating, and if I'm feeling depressed it never fails to cheer me up," Camardo said unable to hide smile curling onto here lips. "It has wonderful powers to manipulate the heart and the mind."
The soothing sounds of music govern Camardo's life so much that she spends over 20 hours in music building every week. "I have my classes, rehearsals and performances in the building," Camardo said. "I also a lot of time practicing and studying music there."