Stephen Gervais discovered Lovecraft in his early teens, while visiting his aunt and uncle’s beach house in Falmouth, MA. His uncle, who knew some of the Eddy family, had a copy of “The Dunwich Horror and Other Weird Tales” published by Arkham House.
Steve recalls a unique thrill -- being caught off guard while reading along and discovering that many of the tales take place in and around Providence – his own back yard.
“I’m certain that Lovecraft’s writing became an important source of inspiration, and ultimately informed much of my artistic style – pushing me towards darker subject matter.”
Given the supernatural nature of the books he has illustrated, the challenge for Gervais seemed built-in. A highly representational style seemed most appropriate, allowing for a more effective visual suspension of disbelief by the reader. This way the integrity of the story remains intact while the artwork hopefully helps enhance the impact of that captured moment within the narrative. A more stylized or impressionist approach seems a bit indulgent and could ultimately distract from the narrative’s trajectory. (But it is all subjective, isn’t it!)
Gervais finds it more than ironic that he’s never enjoyed the privilege of illustrating H.P. Lovecraft -- having been born in Providence and presently living two doors down from the Charles Dexter Ward mansion -- and having won the World Fantasy “Best Artist” award for the limited edition of Stephen King’s “Christine”. The trophy, which sits in his studio, is the bust of H.P. Lovecraft.
