Artist of the Week

Amanda Darza: "The Imperfect Artist" By Betty Cui '11, courtesy of Kent News

Artists are usually known for being critical about things, including their own works. Amanda Darza ’10 is a perfect example of an “imperfect artist” at Kent. As a sixth former, Darza has contributed to the Kent art program in multiple areas throughout her career since arriving here in her fourth form year. Even though she is very accomplished as a young artist, Darza has never stopped reaching for aesthetic perfection.

Coming from the Republic of the Philippines, Darza arrived at Kent midway through her sophomore year in preparation for her career here as a junior. The move to Kent was a very challenging time for both her and her family. In the Philippines, attending boarding school was not that common and it was her first time being away without her parents. From the time that Darza took a tour of the campus, it only took two weeks to make the transition and to move into the dorm. She stated that, “I was still in my old school, and two weeks completely changed my life.”

In fact, it was indeed a turning point for Darza’s art, as well. Before she came to Kent, she had never taken art seriously. Back in her international middle school in the Philippines, art was a required class that everyone had to take. Darza recalls, “At that time, I only did art for getting good grades, not for my own personal goals.” Instead, sports played a big part of her life. Her passion up until then was soccer, and she even had the chance to represent the Philippines in a European tournament.