Harry Nicholson né Kelley
Harry, 2004
Q: When did you meet William?
Around 1978. In the flow of community.
Where was he living and what was he involved in at the time you met?
I am a survivor of traumatic brain injury — dates are gone. But around 1982. Housemate interview.
What are some important professional facts you know about William and his calligraphy work?
He was painstaking and every job had a component of the Sistine Chapel in the sense that it was torture and transcendent. One piece includes half of an actual valise.
William didn't do anything he didn't teach, but teaching in our community doesn't resemble what most people would call teaching. He would suddenly say, "Let me tell you about Japanese numbers," and you would be thrilled by what he had to say. He was a superb linguist. We spoke French on occasions, but he dabbled in Arabic, spoke good Russian, and knew something about every language I've ever heard of. His explanation of urgative languages still haunts me.
He put together a Literary Lions Luncheon for James Broughton and Sam Steward to which we, his beloved housemates, were NOT invited. We were happy it happened, but such were the milestones in his life, celebrations, offerings, food. He was more than a good cook.
His father was generous, his mother demanding.
The important thing: he claimed not to be an artist. But he was really good at it. And I don't mean calligraphy.
I lived at Touchstone. It was magical, challenging in the best way, and one of the honors of my life to live there. 80s: Me and other residents of Touchstone, and so many more. I can see faces and can't find names…
About the Sisters:
It was short-lived and he never identified greatly with the group. I was Sister Kaye Sera from the early days and when I asked him about being one himself he said, "Oh, piffle, it was basically nothing more than making the logo."
His work with Shanti was central to his being, and he went above and beyond in providing support for the dying. He and I were indeed death doulas, as they are called today. You have to understand, we're not talking about dozens of people whose deaths involved us, demanded us, devastated us, and transformed us, but hundreds.
William's kitchen and cooking:
Not huge space-wise, but huge soul-wise.
— Harry Nicholson
