In Memoriam for my Mama the Dragon Maker
"The universe is made of patterns that flow and flow and flow". - Jano Bell Fairservis in conversation with me a few months ago.
My mother’s 8 foot long “Rainbow Dragon” flew just weeks before she passed into the next world at 96 years old on July 11th, 2024. Just weeks ago I showed her pictures and videos of her dragon puppet being flown by my dear friends in a parade at a local music festival where over 1000 people saw it curve and arch through the air. Now as I sit at a lake on retreat, breathing slowly into my grieving heart, I sense the dragon’s scales shimmering and rolling in little waves toward me.
Last Winter, my mom and I shared deep conversations about 2024 being the year of the wood dragon in Chinese astrology - that this was a time where compassionate, wise voices would rise to bring justice and love to the world. We spoke about the indigenous teachings of the rainbow serpent and prophecies of the rainbow tribes rising to protect life on earth. And then in she called and said, “I’m making a rainbow dragon.” Her heart and hands responded to our conversations with confident artistic skill and delight. Assembled out of toilet paper rolls, cloth, cardboard and paint that she had been collecting, she masterfully transformed everyday materials into a magic dragon with a purpose.
This was her way. She witnessed, listened, read, contemplated, and then made art. She, like the water, was touched by the world. She responded with waves of creativity.
As a child in the depression, she was bedridden by scarlet fever and lost all of her hair. She sat in her bed and drew pictures. She honed her skill at seeing what was before her and in her heart, through her hands. Often sick as a child she lived through humiliation to rise and become a May Queen in high school. She studied art at Skidmore College, married an archeologist and traveled the world. She birthed four daughters and cared for us all, especially her bigger-than-life husband, archeologist, professor, playwright and actor, Dr. Walter A. Fairservis, Jr.
Through it all, her hands, heart, and keen mind were the portal through which an amazing amount of beautiful and timely things emerged. Drawings, paintings, illustrations, sculptures, costumes, clothing, theater sets, plays, poetry, songs, letters, good food, and gentle hugs. And in her last days, she brought her strong old hand to my cheek and said “oh my dear girl, what wonderful conversations we’ve had. You have been a good friend to me.”
There is so much to say about this human being who was my mother. But for now, I am watching the waves on the water. I am seeing how the Rainbow Dragon is in everything, arching and twisting through all reality, shimmering with light and colors that merge heaven and earth. My mother, Jano Bell Sutherland Fairservis, is riding that dragon with a great big smile on her face.
What trasured memories you have. Thank you for sharing these feelings so generously. From your description, although I never met her I feel how she lives in you.
A beautiful tribute. I remember when you went to spend time with your mother to make stories and create in community. I celebrate her release into all and send love.