Gordon Ward first studied fine arts, and then ceramics at the University of Oregon, where he received a masters degree in 1974. For many years, his ceramic and business focus was mostly table and cooking ware, with an emphasis on decorative brush work on porcelain and white stoneware.

In 2005 Gordon moved to the Bay Area and joined his mother’s ikebana class, taught by the renowned Soho Sakai. At the time he did not realize how very fortunate he was, and soon he was busy creating ceramic containers for ikebana and enjoying the creation of ikebana arrangements as well.

Over the years Gordon progressed in Sogetsu and now holds the rank of Komon. He has given ikebana presentations to a number of Sogetsu organizations and the Soho Study Group. For the past seven years, Gordon has participated in the DeYoung Museum's Bouquets to Art exhibit.