Garin Boyd
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
It is not often that you meet someone extraordinary, but today I had the opportunity to have coffee with Garin Boyd.
Garin is a VIVA – a visual impaired visual artist. He works in charcoal because of the tactile nature of the medium. He was diagnosed at age 7 with Stargardt disease, a rare genetic eye disease that affects the retina, resulting in central vision loss which is needed for close vision such as reading. He is legally blind, an invisible disability because he is ambulatory. He walks around without a cane but is photosensitive causing him to wear dark glasses outside.
A pandemic-born artist, Garin’s business is called “Under The Mask”. The name is appropriate because during the pandemic we all wore masks, and living with an invisible disability is like wearing a mask. His charcoal drawings are striking but it is the eyes that lure you in. They are both beautiful and visceral, evoking a strong reaction.
You can find Garin at Follow Your Art on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during their open studio time. A small group of artists that gather and support each other while they create. Garin calls FYA his “heart home” and is grateful for this amazing Melrose resource. On Monday evenings, he takes a life drawing class with human models. His vision does not allow him to see facial details or shadows, but he draws forms.
The Melrose Commission on Disability is lucky to have Garin as a founding member. He calls the group the “Avengers” after the superheroes because they all bring different skills with the common goal of making Melrose accessible to all. In July of 2023, they delivered a report to the city on ADA compliance. This is a blueprint for creating improved accessibility in public buildings, outdoor spaces and especially in schools. In November, the commission celebrated the creation of an inclusive playground at the corner of Melrose and Warren Street.
Garin Boyd, is well spoken and interesting and truly extraordinary! Melrose is fortunate to have Garin as he knocks down barriers of access especially for children. I am delighted to now call him a friend!
