Windsor Author and Photographer Marty Gervais Discovers New Creative Perspectives Amid Vision Loss
For Marty Gervais, a man whose entire life has been dedicated to storytelling through both written words and photographic images, the gradual loss of his eyesight has unexpectedly provided profound new insights into his artistic craft. The Windsor-based author, photographer, and retired journalist is confronting macular degeneration with remarkable resilience, transforming his personal struggle into creative inspiration.
A Life Devoted to Books and Visual Arts
"My whole life has been one of books and reading," says Gervais, who serves as Windsor's first Poet Laureate Emeritus, a university professor, and publisher of Black Moss Press. "Doing as much as I can" has become his guiding principle as he navigates the challenges of diminishing vision while maintaining his prolific creative output.
Gervais inherited the degenerative eye condition that previously affected his father, grandfather, and several aunts and uncles. The acceleration of his symptoms in recent years prompted him to begin writing what would become his latest literary work, The Shape of Disappearing Letters, in December 2023.
Medical Journey and Creative Adaptation
"I've known for quite a few years but it was just dormant for so long," Gervais explains. "But it's been the last probably three years and I had one really bad stretch. I started writing the book because my eyesight had gone down so fast."
The former longtime Windsor Star columnist established a unique working routine, writing daily and sending his poems to his daughter in Hamilton for editing and feedback. This collaborative process allowed him to continue creating despite visual limitations.
In April 2024, a medication adjustment for the regular eye injections he receives to slow the disease's progression brought some stabilization to his vision, though Gervais notes "it's been kind of up and down." These injections, administered approximately every six weeks in both eyes, represent a challenging but necessary aspect of his treatment regimen.
Finding Beauty in Blurred Vision
Macular degeneration damages the central retina (macula), which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision, typically resulting in blurred, distorted sight and dark spots. While there is no cure for the condition, Gervais has discovered unexpected artistic parallels in his changing visual experience.
"You know, in some ways, and this comes out in the book, I feel this may sound crazy, but I feel blessed in some ways," he reflects. "What I see in reality is a little bit like an impressionistic painting."
Gervais draws comparisons to 19th-century masters like Claude Monet and Renoir, whose works feature soft, blended details and colors that form shapes rather than precise outlines. "The edges dissolve into light and it feels like the loss of fine detail but it's made with warmth and color," he observes, noting that this aesthetic quality has begun to influence his photographic work as well.
Family Legacy and Personal Resilience
In his forthcoming book, Gervais chronicles not only his personal experience with macular degeneration but also the condition's history within his family. He shares poignant stories about his father, who was legally blind but maintained his daily routines with determination.
"I came to his house one day and he was sitting at the table with the Windsor Star laid out," Gervais recalls. "I said, 'Dad, like, what's the point when you're reading? You're blind.' And he said, 'I can read the headlines... I read the headlines and I make up the story.' It was routine for him. He wasn't going to give it up."
This same spirit of perseverance defines Gervais's approach to his own circumstances. Despite the significant challenges posed by his deteriorating vision, he remains committed to the creative work that has defined his life and career. His latest project, a book featuring the Town of Amherstburg, demonstrates his ongoing dedication to documenting and celebrating local communities through both words and images.
As Gervais continues to navigate the complexities of vision loss, his journey stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity and the human capacity to find meaning and beauty even in the face of profound personal challenges.
