Through The Lens Of Survival: A Cancer Journey
Standing on the heli-deck of an offshore oil rig off Nova Scotia in the mid-1980s, l was in my element, documenting the world through my lens. At the time, I wore an artificial limb to navigate my work, though few would have known. This photograph captures more than a moment, it reflects the adaptability and determination that have shaped my journey. (Photo By Peter Parsons)
In Through My Looking Glass: Nova Scotia A 50-Year Photographic Retrospective, I invite you to journey through my life, seen through the lens of my camera and the lens of survival and resilience. My story isn’t just about the images I’ve captured; it’s also about the challenges I've faced and the strength I've found along the way.
At the age of 12, in 1963, I was diagnosed with bone cancer, a life-altering journey that culminated in the loss of my leg. Against all odds I survived. This experience, while deeply challenging, has profoundly shaped who I am and how I engage with the world around me. Through my photography, I have learned to embrace perspectives that others might overlook, capturing the courage of resilience, adaptation, and the richness of life despite hardships.It's not just about what was lost, it’s also about what was found, it was about finding the resilience and strength from within to continue moving forward every day.
Every photograph in this collection is infused with the spirit of perseverance and a deep appreciation for the moments that define our existence. As an amputee, I have developed a unique outlook on the world and a compelling desire to express my journey,
As I look back on the struggles, the triumphs, the challenges, and the victories, I do so with a deep sense of purpose, a deep sense of meaning, deep sense of hope and gratitude for every step taken along the way, for having beat the odds, for having survived cancer. I hope that by sharing my story and my imagery, I can inspire others to see beyond limitations, to discover beauty in their own journeys, and to find strength in vulnerability. Thank you for joining me on this journey through my life, and through my looking glass.