“It Takes a Village”
 
I would like to acknowledge several people including my 'not often enough' studio collaborator, Margaret Teichert , whose skill with tools clearly showed she must have skipped some important class and taken ‘Shop’ instead, for not only some of her great ideas, and rummaging skills, but also her talent in implementing them. 
 
Of course, Cydney Bender-Reents who is so generous with her ceramic kiln that she has a setting called "William' which is designed to overcome some of my sloppy techniques with clay without blowing the pieces up. 
 
Also, Steve Worley, who in addition to having the good sense to ask Joann Buselli (our emotional and logistical support person) to marry him but also gathers fantastic flotsam and jetsam from his property in Mariposa for use in the pieces.   He also lends a vital helping hand to making frames and other handy work. 

 
To Jennifer Jackson and Brett Loper, of Grigio Art Consulting, for providing me with so many wonderful opportunities to place my art in their client’s offices and medical facilities.

 
To my husband, David Gibson, who has the finest design sense in Sacramento, but also the wisdom to offer his design eye only when asked!
 
And then those who have taught me many art skills including Anthony Maki Gill, ceramist extraordinaire, who has shared his studio in Auburn with many, many ceramics novices over the last decade or more.
 
Also, Jyoti Alexander, who assists me as often as my art budget permits and whose need for precision is the perfect counterpoint to my need for spontaneity.

 
But most of all to Barry Sakata and Barbara Ruona, owners of b. sakata garo, for hosting one of my art exhibits for the third time in four years.  Bless their hearts!

 
William Ishmael

September 2025