Reed Clarke (Cornea Recipient)
Images above are from www.reedclarke.com
When asked about what it feels like to paint, to be inspired by the artistic process, Reed says the following,
“I like the fact that when you start a painting with a conception, an inspiration, or an idea -you never know where it’s going to go from there. You start throwing some stuff at the canvas because you’ve got to get stuff on the canvas. Then it’s almost like a puzzle, with you reacting and changing and modifying and seeing. You say, ‘Oh my God, that’s not working!’ I need to add a lot of stuff on this side or it’s going to be out of balance. And so it’s kind of a learning process in itself as you do it.”
This action of reacting, augmenting, and modifying to adapt to the puzzle in front of you, can be likened to Reed’s sight journey as well. You see, Reed received a diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in one of his eyes. The diagnosis came as a great shock and brought on a sense of alarm. The condition began in his left eye, and due to its gradual onset, Reed couldn’t detect the changes until it had significantly progressed. With his right eye still functioning well, Reed faced the dilemma of potentially damaging his good eye with corrective surgery. The need for cataract surgery only exacerbated his visual challenges, and he found himself making numerous adjustments in his daily life to accommodate his diminishing eyesight.
After some careful consideration, Reed decided to undergo corneal transplant surgery to help restore his vision. Dr. Mark Terry, a highly regarded surgeon from Devers Eye Institute, performed the procedure, which proved to be a pivotal moment in Reed’s life. As Reed recovered from his surgery, he began to adjust to his new visual reality and was astounded by the results. Without the need for distance glasses, he now sees with a clarity and precision that rivals that of anyone with perfect vision. The experience was nothing short of transformational, and Reed found himself marveling at the details and nuances of the world around him.
As an artist with a deep appreciation for figurative art, Reed’s newfound vision had a profound impact on his creative process. He now experiences a level of engagement and immersion in his artwork that he hadn’t known in years. The act of painting, once an exercise in careful adaption, has become a dynamic and evolving journey of self-expression. Reed’s ability to convey and perceive the intricacies of human form and emotion has been reinvigorated, allowing him to continue his artistic endeavors more clearly than ever.
As he reflects on this generous gift of renewed sight, “This kind of a gift, what it means to me? I started thinking, nobody is selling me this. They don’t know who I am. They have no reason to give specifically to me. It’s a new understanding of what it means to give a gift without any strings or reasons. It was just a real profound understanding of what a gift could be”.
Looking forward, Reed’s journey serves as a touching reminder of the incredible impact that organ, eye and tissue donation can have on individuals lives. This selfless act of a donor and their family has allowed Reed to not only regain his sight but also rediscover the joy and fulfillment that comes from pursing his artistic passions. This experience has left an indelible mark on Reed, instilling in him a deep sense of gratitude and a newfound appreciation for the precious gift of vision.
