Bio/resume

William Ishmael has been an artist for the last 20 years, beginning with watercolor landscapes and progressing to large abstract works and art installations quite often based on one of several themes:

natural beauty, using wood, stone and ceramics to create vignettes which reflect time spent in the woods;

using the natural/spontaneous erosion/corrosion of materials as an aesthetic basis; or

abstract works which are intended to evoke peaceful thoughts, and contemplative moments.

William has exhibited works in Sacramento, Palm Springs and Lexington; has participated in both group and solo shows for over 20 years, and has done commissions for offices, medical facilities and homes.

“Everything Has Led to This Moment”
On a recent visit to Iceland, our guide took us to some public art at their Legislature. The art wasn’t memorable, but when he translated the carving in the surround I was struck!: "Everything has led to this moment."
I was struck because it’s so true. All the negatives, all the celebrations, all the relationships, all the sins, all the regrets.... They all require forgiveness from all parties. And then they lose their power. So all those events and interactions led to this moment.. and in the spiritual sense, this moment is perfect. So all things have led to this perfect moment!
So all the art work... all the art experience... all the trials that failed .... have led to who I am and to the works in this art show.