Meet Alyssia Strasser | Multidisciplinary artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alyssia Strasser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alyssia, why did you pursue a creative career?
I am a person who believes in destiny- and honestly, I feel this artistic path was destined for me. I say this because every time I pursued a different career path, the door slammed shut, and the opportunity to be a fine artist continuously peered in the back of my mind. Early in college, I first tried pursuing web design and then pondered on becoming an art educator. Finally, there came the point where I had to decide on a major, and that is when I decided to take the leap and pursue the fine arts. I always told myself I could become a teacher later, as I wanted to fully master my craft before teaching it. This decision was not easy, though, as I was hesitant, knowing it would be a long journey to success as an artist living in Los Angeles and that my pay would not be the best. Nevertheless, I still went for it, as art is my true passion, and I can’t see myself doing anything else. As a child, it was secretly my dream to make a living from my art, and I knew following my dreams would ultimately pay off.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art dives into psychosynthesis topics of the unconscious and subconscious mind. I was inspired by a first-year college English class where we read Carl Jung’s “Man and His Symbols.” A few years later, when I started to make art, I returned to these topics as I was leaving one place of my life and entering a new chapter.

My art explores human emotion and how we interconnect with each other. Much of my work also focuses on inner healing and our mental health, a big topic that arose in 2020. I am incredibly grateful my art has reached and helped millions online. I am proud to have helped so many people understand their emotions and visualize “what it feels like.” I received a message once from someone who decided not to take their life the other night because they came across my drawing “there for you.” Reading that message brought me to tears, knowing that I saved someone’s life because of my art, and it made me feel so fulfilled in life, even at the young age of 24.

Being an artist has taught me a lot about riding the ups and downs of life. There will be many peak moments in my career but also a few stagnant periods, and that’s okay to accept. It is all part of the process. There have been days when I’ve wanted to give up so badly, but I then think about all the people I have genuinely impacted, which brings me a sense of grounding and gratitude for my life and journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being born and raised in the South Bay, I would take them around San Pedro to grab a sandwich at Busy Bee Market, then enjoy the views of Angel’s Gate park and stop by Royal Palms beach for the sunset. The coast of San Pedro feels like home to me, and it is a place I love to stop and create art in, so of course, I’d want to share that experience with my friends! I would definitely also bring them over the bridge to Long Beach and explore all the fun art events and flea markets around the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out my friend Haley Fonfa and her nonprofit organization, the BFF foundation, dedicated to her brother Brett Fonfa. They are committed to expanding education in the arts to the local community by providing resources, therapy, various programs, and opportunities for everyone! BFF works will students of all ages, cultures, backgrounds, and economic statuses, giving them a chance to showcase their inner creativity and highlight their voices. I have exhibited in two of Haley’s shows, and I believe her organization needs more love! They are doing amazing things for the community.

Website: https://alyssiastrasser.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssia.strasser/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/artbyalyssia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbyalyssia/

Other: Portfolio link: https://alyssiastrasser.portfoliobox.net/

Image Credits
Photos 2 and 3: Olivia Strgacich