“Simply Too Much”
Christine Jaksy
La Grange, IL
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: When I heard my surgeon tell me I had cancer, I did not have a reaction, other than, “oh, another diagnosis to contend with.“ Since 1982, I have fought and thrived with 40+ diagnoses, some life-threatening at times, and most certainly life-changing throughout my entire adult life. The diagnosis and the reality of CANCER really did not sink in until I got into a monthly Sarcoma Support Group at the Wellness House, and heard people talk about the details of cancer. It was one more, but huge, diagnosis that I would bring before God, as my Christian faith is my foundation in my life that has carried me through the challenges, the darkness, the intense pain, and the intense most brilliant light that bursts through to the other side of hope and perseverance.
Janice Zeuch
@janicezeuch
Wheaton, IL
http://www.watercolormyhouse.com
“Simply Too Much”
Acrylic on canvas
36” x 36” x 1.5”
$1,200
Artist Statement: Is the cup half full or half empty — or is it simply too much?
That was my takeaway after meeting my Brushes with Cancer inspiration, Christine Jaksy.
I first met Christine over a cup of coffee and had an instant connection. She is Chicago born and raised but spent 20 years living in L.A. as a former Cover Model, Actor and Photographer. Today she serves as a Healthcare Chaplain utilizing her deep desire to help others, and she openly shares her love for God.
Christine told me she has faced a multitude of health challenges since 1982, some life threatening — none of them cancer — and now this diagnosis has been added to her list of ailments. Yet if you met her, you would never guess she is physically or emotionally overwhelmed. Christine is easy to talk with and has a vibrant, cheerful spirit. One would never know the pain that lies beneath her smile.
After our very first coffee meeting, I immediately knew what I was going to paint by the time I got to my car. I wanted to explore color and the familiar metaphor of a glass being half full or half empty — but through a different lens.
Instead of a glass, I chose to paint a coffee cup, reflecting how our relationship began: conversations shared over coffee. In this piece, the cup is overflowing with bright color, symbolizing Christine’s energetic, warm, and vivacious creative spirit. The bold palette represents the color she brings to her personality and her art — yes, she paints too.
The focus of this painting — a cup that is neither half full nor half empty but overflowing — reflects what it feels like when life becomes overwhelming. The colors serve as a tribute to her resilience and the extraordinary courage it takes to remain radiant during the valleys of life.
The imagery of the overflow tells another story, too. It speaks to the moment when life becomes heavier than we planned, when the heart holds more than it should. Yet the vivid colors, much like Christine’s personality, capture our attention and can distract from the pain that lies beneath a cancer diagnosis.
Christine Jaksy is the crisp white cup, boldly holding it all together.