Susannah Israel and Bill Lassell met in 1995 at the Vulcan warehouse in east Oakland, California. They immediately confirmed a mutual liking for hard sci-fi, reading in general, writing, art, and philosophical matters requiring well-thought-out arguments.

Together Israel & Lassell inaugurated the weekly Vulcan Writers group. The friendship flourished over morning coffee at the Vulcan Cafe, while Lassell pursued classes in criminal justice, conservation and real estate, and Israel completed an MFA in ceramics. Then in 2002 they journeyed to Montana, to the Archie Bray Foundation for Ceramic Arts, thereby unleashing Lassell's talents and curiosity in a new and exciting art community.

Israel & Lassell helped to found the South of Fruitvale Artists (SoFA), las cadre, and Pot'naughts groups. They established a studio at Vulcan 5 which hosted many artists and events from 2003 - 2009. During this period they also traveled, worked and taught throughout California and in Nevada, Oregon and Idaho, always benefiting from each other's keen perceptions, enthusiasm and new ideas.

A documentary filmmaker, Lassell captured much of the history of the decade, from David Shaner's memorial service to the restoration of the Sausal Creek watershed. In the studio, Israel and Lassell collaborated on specific works as well as enjoying the give-and-take of working side by side. Lassell's satirical work and editorials were matched by Israel's critical writing, and for both of them, fiction - the more sci-fi the better - continued to be a pleasurable undertaking.

It is a cherished gift to have such a creative and loving partnership, and Israel & Lassell made a lasting impression with the joyous nature of their connection. Bill Lassell's sudden, unexpected death took him from his loved ones and community on January 23, 2009, in the fullness of life, love and happiness. We miss him sorely and find comfort and purpose in continuing his love of creative work.