“Series of Fortunate Events”
Alique Topalian
Toledo, OH
@aliquetopalian on Instagram
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: I am a two-time acute myeloid leukemia survivor who was first diagnosed at age four and relapsed 22 years later in 2021 when I was 27. I am also a PhD researcher in cancer survivorship and supportive services. This is how I originally found Twist out Cancer. I was at a large oncology conference (ASCO) and they had a booth. After talking to the team member and seeing a book of past creations from Brushes I was captivated by the experience. From my first meeting with Jackie, we hit it off immediately and it felt like we were old friends. She made me feel so comfortable sharing my story. Throughout the process I kept wondering what she was going to choose. What will embody me and my story? We had come up with an idea, but then Jackie had a new stroke of inspiration. On the morning of my reveal, she sent me her artist statement. It brought tears to my eyes, and it felt so perfect. Upon my reveal, I was in awe. The creation was me. My life. My story. Presented in a way I had not even thought of. My memories and experiences are captured through beautiful watercolor designs. Looking back on my life it has truly been “A Series of Fortunate Events.” She captured my life from the loneliness of a childhood cancer survivor to who I am today. Hearing Jackie’s interpretation of my story and her view of me taking these experiences and turning them into moments worth living that are filled with love, joy, friendship, and adventure put words to my story in the most beautiful way. It made me appreciate myself and my mindset in a way I never have before. As a bouquet of all of the flowers growing out of the cement, representing all the challenges and struggles I have overcome. It is a powerful description. Seeing myself through her eyes made me realize that I truly have created a beautiful and meaningful life.
Jackie Carmody
Chicago, IL
www.jacquelinecarmodyart.com
@jcarmody_art on Instagram
“Series of Fortunate Events”
Watercolor and ink
5 small framed watercolor and ink paintings- 10” x 24” in total size
$450
Artist Statement: The collection, “A Series of Fortunate Events,” is a series of 5 small watercolor and ink paintings. The idea for the series began with a quote from Alique that resonated with me: “If something could happen to anyone, it’s going to happen to me.” Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia as a young child, Alique faced a childhood and adolescence filled with challenges that set her apart. Yet, instead of focusing on this unfortunate “bad luck,” Alique possesses a rare ability to transform these very situations into moments worth living for. It was this spirit—this resilience—that I sought to capture across five small watercolor paintings, each depicting a viewpoint from her extraordinary life.
The first painting is an ode to her childhood: a lone, determined daisy growing out of cement. It embodies the sheer willpower required to navigate early hardships. Despite the difficult circumstances, Alique found a way to grow, to thrive, and to build a meaningful life, forging strong friendships that would become her anchors into adulthood.
The second painting is a view from her hospital room during a second diagnosis, a moment that turned her world upside down, forcing a halt to work and a new relationship. Yet, even in the stillness of the hospital, Alique continued to power through, finding solace and beauty in the early morning sunsets she watched from her hospital room window.
The narrative shifts to warmth and connection in the third painting. It shows her rescue dog looking out the window of one of the first apartments she shared with her now-husband. This apartment represents beautiful memories of a place where they were able to land after the chaos.
The fourth painting captures a newfound freedom, taken from a kayak trip. Alique revealed that cancer (and her adventurous husband) pushed her out of her comfort zone, inspiring her to explore nature, hiking, and the great outdoors. She is now an outdoor enthusiast, driven to travel and challenge herself. This image is the very spirit of bravery, a representation of the excitement that awaits in the next adventure.
The fifth and final painting offers a glimpse of Alique’s current life with her husband, capturing a scene of deep connection, safety, and peace. Looking out of their dining room window, this present-day portrait features a vase of flowers. This vase is a powerful symbol, representing all the “flowers growing out of the cement”—a collection of the many challenges Alique has successfully overcome.
I chose the title “A Series of Fortunate Events” because Alique could have focused solely on the unfortunate events in her life. But our time together was truly a celebration of joy, enduring relationships, humor, and endless adventure.