Exceptional artist, seeker of origins

An important figure in the Claremont art scene for more than half a century, Elizabeth Moses Fuller died at her home on Eighth Street on May 22, 2014, surrounded by her family and the art work that she had created over a lifetime. ‘Liz’ Fuller was 84 years of age.

The daughter of Paul and Betty Moses was born in Santa Rosa, California on November 17, 1929. The family subsequently settled in Ontario where Paul Moses was a member of the faculty at Chaffey High School. Both Liz and her late brother, Richard ‘Dick’ Moses, attended and graduated from Chaffey High School. Liz also attended Chaffey College. She was proud of her course work at Chouinard Art Institute and later received her master of fine arts degree from Claremont Graduate School.

Liz was married to James Fuller, also a noted artist, for 63 years and together they pursued a life in the arts throughout those years. Jim is a painter and printmaker, and Liz developed an extraordinary gift for textile design and fabric sculpture.

Liz was known for her keen wit and kind heart—she was, her family notes, a wonderful mother and grandmother, wife and friend who shared her keen insights and sense of humor with those who knew her. She was especially drawn to the origin of things: ancient designs of the world, fabric making and surface design, languages and poetry and music of the world. A voracious reader, Liz was described by Jim as “being snagged by the printed word.” She combined her learning into original and rich insights, many of which she transformed into art. When asked about her interest and intensity in reading, she said, “I am looking for clues.” Her curiosity and creativity inspired those around her.

The Fullers raised their three daughters in Claremont. In addition to her husband Jim, Liz leaves Mary and Griff Roberts of Claremont, Phoebe and Richard Graham of Irvine, and Suzanne and James Braswell of Miami, Florida as well as grandson Martin Roberts and his wife Elizabeth, grandson Paul Roberts of Claremont and great-grandson Aylen of San Francisco .

Her family recalls that Liz adhered to the ‘Navajo Blessing Way Prayer’ in her originality and love.

A memorial service in honor of Liz Fuller will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1127 N. San Antonio Ave. in Ontario. A reception follows at the church.

—Pat Yarborough

In beauty may I walk.

All day long may I walk.

Through the returning seasons  may I walk.

On the trail marked with pollen may I walk.

With grasshoppers about my feet may I walk.

With beauty may I walk.

With beauty before me, may I walk.

With beauty before me, may I walk.

With beauty before me, may I walk.

With beauty before me, may I walk.

With beauty above me, may I walk.

With beauty below me, may I walk.

In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, lively, on a trail of beauty, may I walk.

In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, living again, may I walk.

It is finished in beauty.

It is finished in beauty.