Alyssa
Stroud Ka'aukai
Multidisciplinary artist. Mainly working in metals, drawing, and digital, while exploring other mediums.
PORTFOLIOS
Artist Statement & CV below.
ARTIST CV
ARTIST STATEMENT
Education:
B.F.A in Three-Dimensional Media: Metals, Minor in Art History
California State University of Long Beach
A.A. in Fine Arts
San Diego Miramar College
Professional Experience:
Founder & Jeweler, Kastura Jewelry & Arts (2025-Present)
Workshop Instructor (Metalsmithing), Irvine Fine Arts Center (2023-2024)
Solo Exhibitions:
2022 Eternal Damnation
Dr. Maxine Melrino Gallery, Long Beach
2021 Babbling into the Void
Dr. Maxine Melrino Gallery, Long Beach
Group Exhibitions:
2023 Tears and Smiles
Exibizone, Online
2023 Metal Arts Guild Group Show
Dennis W. Dutzi Gallery, Long Beach
2022 Week of the Arts Gallery and Sale
Dr. Maxine Melrino Gallery, Long Beach
2022 Metal Arts Guild Group Show
Gatov East Gallery, Long Beach
2019 Metal Group Show
Gatov Gallery, Long Beach
In my work I focus on the exploration of play, novelty, the weird, and the whimsical. In my metalwork, I like to focus on these themes and think up objects that amuse me.
I'm inspired by objects that I grew up around, such as my grandparents' and parents' eclectic trinkets and art, especially those that are antique or kitschy. I love things that stand out from the present norm, especially if they're old. I'm interested in how they reflect history, the passage of time, and changes in taste and attitude. In my drawings, I like to capture these objects and people of my admiration and inspiration. When it comes to graphic design, I prefer to mix all of the inspirations listed thus far.
I have a curiosity to try every medium, whether in the second or third dimensions. I love the novel and I love learning, so I feed this curiosity. I accredit this openness to learn and try new things, rather than limit myself, to my parents and grandparents. They always encouraged me to try new mediums, and they shared their own practices with me, teaching me their different crafts. The inspiration I've gained from my family has affected my art, lifelong.
I hope that my art brings some or one these feelings of fun, novelty, weirdness, and whimsy that inspire me, to the viewer. I also hope that my work inspires other to play, to make whatever is whispering in their ear, no matter how weird or mundane the subject may seem, and to not be afraid of the outcome not being good enough, or even if it turns out to be bad in their eyes.
Private Collections:
Arroyo Grande, CA
Tehachapi, CA
Washington DC
Mesa, AZ
San Diego, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Ladera Ranch, CA
Creative & Brand Development
Website development
Jewelry collection design and cohesion
Product styling and visual storytelling
Photography direction and presentation
Brand building for emerging designers
Product design and management
Digital & Business
E-commerce optimization and product curation
Social media strategy and content creation
Pricing strategy and sales execution
Social media management
Professional
Client relations and custom commissions
Instruction and critique
Operations and workflow management
Market research
Skills:
Jewelry & Metalsmithing
Hand fabrication, soldering, forming, finishing
Surface treatment and texture development
Raising, chasing and repousse
Concept-to-completion jewelry design
Stone setting: bezel, prong, bead
Sand, cuttlebone, and wax casting
Fine Arts
Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Canva
Graphic design
Photo retouching and editing
2-&-3-dimensional photography (phone)
Traditional and digital drawing
Book illustration
Block printing
Painting: watercolor and acrylic
Fibers: sewing and wet felting
Various machinery and tool operation
Studio/work environment safety