Video and photos by Courtney Pedroza
Jules Demetrius was in remission from three types of stage 4 cancer. A stencil artist, he was preparing for a solo exhibition for the March 6, 2015 First Friday — his first show since remission.
Demetrius continues to support himself by making and selling art. He paints science-fiction-inspired pieces whenever he’s physically able.
Demetrius has debated suicide in the past. He says what prevents him from doing so is his love for his three daughters and painting.
Demetrius said he feels weak in chemotherapy and loses too much weight. He has a colostomy bag and is in constant pain. To get through every day, Demetrius relies heavily on pain medication and medical marijuana.
His doctors are the people he keeps in contact with the most. He has developed strong relationships with them, bringing the most personality to the cancer wing.
Demetrius lays in a hospital bed waiting to be taken for a CAT scan March 4, 2015. He had to go to the emergency room, suffering from difficulty breathing and unmanageable pain. Demetrius had no visitors.
The CAT scan revealed new masses in his lungs. “I know they aren’t Skittles,” Demetrius joked. They were cancerous and discovered two days before his solo exhibition.
Demetrius knew he wanted to go to the show but didn’t know if he physically could until that Friday night. He was ultimately able to go and see people react to his work, shown behind him.
Demetrius initially protested the doctor’s recommendation of chemotherapy but chose to prolong his life and go through the treatment again. The artist now has four types of stage 4 cancer and just completed work to show at his next solo exhibition “Stage 4” at Songbird Coffee & Tea House in downtown Phoenix. The show opens Friday.
Contact the reporter at courtney.pedroza@asu.edu.
