Artist: Alyssa Stroud Exhibition: Metal Group Show Media: Copper Gallery: LBSU School of Art, Gatov Gallery West
About the Artist
Alyssa Stroud is a Long Beach State undergraduate student enrolled in the College of the Arts (COTA) program and is currently studying student art. This past month, student artist like Stroud have been working with metal to put on a show in LBSU’s Metal Group Show exhibition.
Formal Analysis
In Stroud’s piece, her metal of choice was copper. With this element, she created what she called a “container-like figure” to incorporate in the Metal Group Show. The figure that she created was no where near perfect. There were simply no perfect lines, it had rounded edges, and it’s shape was out of this world, considering the fact that it looked like a spaceship. It’s color was a simple brassy brown throughout the entire piece. There was rhythm in the repetition of dome shaped figures all around and it’s texture was smooth but jagged to the touch. To top it off, it’s small size makes the piece less functional as a container but interesting to the eye of the beholder.
Content Analysis
As I was conversing with Stroud, she noted that she was going for a container figure, but at the same time wanted to branch off from the conventional look of a regular container. With no intentions in mind of having a specific shape of the container, she eventually ended up with something similar to one yet different. Furthermore, Stroud noted that she wanted the container to look like one whole piece rather than two, which explains the use of the rounded lumps throughout the entire figure. She also explained that the piece had no story behind it as she just went for it and in the end named it Gilbert because it simply looked like a Gilbert Globorin.
My Experience
I was truly amazed by all the artwork in the Metal Group Show. It was quite eye opening to see that these are only undergraduate students in Long Beach who are making art that can tell either an amazing story or even a little one. It was also interesting to see what students can make with different types of metal. This can range from jewelry, unidentifiable containers, to even the golden snitch from Harry Potter! Walking through the art gallery was also very peaceful and therapeutic. I wouldn’t mind walking through amazing art pieces whenever I’m feeling out of the blue, and this can only be possible with the help of our very own Long Beach art students.
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