My birth name is Alastair James Stockdale; I can only hope that I am related to the late Admiral James Bond Stockdale (medal of honor recipient and former vice presidential candidate) because he was a true patriot, American hero, and the real life James Bond (007).

My first works of art were crayon drawings on freshly painted walls, at the age of 2. I don't remember what they looked like, but I'm sure they were a fantastic final touch to the remodeling. Today, I continue in this direction as I paint very large works either as murals or on wall-stretched canvas.

I am a summa cum laude, non-traditional, college graduate working as a visual artist, scenic artist, licensed educator, teaching artist for outreach education, and as security & maintenance—All at Beck Center for the Arts (a comprehensive, non-profit arts organization in Cleveland, Ohio).

I believe that every moment is history in the making, and that all human creations began with artwork. My mission as an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and humanitarian is to utilize all art forms, along with therapy and education, in order to enlighten, empower, improve, and ensure our civilization.

I work to synergize formal and informal education, in order to bridge the gap between the classroom and forms of education outside of the classroom.

Some of my background, in case you are interested:
I became financially independent as a teenager, shortly after from graduating high school. I was fortunate to find full-time employment as a factory worker and I quickly advanced to manufacturing custom components for The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Disney, Mattel, Invacare, and the United States Armed Forces. It was eye-opening to discover that this type of work no longer affords the lifestyle of past generations. Since then, I have been experiencing the struggles of the underclass. This was a landmark in my ongoing struggle to fund my own education, survival and continue my life's work.

In 2005, I found work as a maintenance man at a non-profit organization, Beck Center for the Arts (BeckCenter.org), while I continued to further educate myself. Stepping beyond my custodial duties, I was introduced to the work of various forms of education, therapy, and artists of virtually every art form. In 2009, I began formally studying visual art education at Cleveland State University. Continuing as a full-time laborer and full-time college student, I finally graduated with a B.A. in Visual Art Education, summa cum laude honors, an Outstanding Scholar Award, and teaching licensure for the State of Ohio. I was also awarded an honors medal that I then awarded to my grandmother who was a true artist and remains an inspiration.

I've also had the privilege of internship opportunities granted by ArtNeo (formerly Cleveland Artists Foundation), the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and various organizations.

Currently, the battle to continue my life's work continues.

If you would like to commission or purchase work or are an interested employer, philanthropist, or would just like more information, I can be contacted at:

MrALstock@gmail.com

Any help would make a tremendous difference.