'All At Sea'
Adam has teamed up with artist Debbie Chapman to promote the mental health charity Elephant in the Room which seeks to break down barriers around the discussion of mental health issues, including stigma faced by those who speak out.
Adam has worked with Ms. Chapman to build an artistic model of an elephant titled 'All at Sea' and the piece will be signed by Adam and will be auctioned off, all profits going to the Samaritans. The auction ends 8pm on Fri 6th Oct 2023.
Click on this link to make a bid.
'All At Sea' is among a number of artworks on display as part of a 'herd of elephants' at Thursday's launch at Custom House Quay in Dublin. The event is a collaboration with the Samaritans and Cornmarket, a mental health collective for Irish nurses and midwives.
Anyone wishing to bid on the collection can speak directly with organisers at the launch where people are encouraged not just to bid on the 'herd' - painted with themes, slogans and motifs to do with mental health - but to encourage each other to "make those conversations (around mental health) more normal."
The charity ultimately aims to "start the conversation on mental health from the school room to the boardroom."
Adam, previously an ambassador for 'Walk In My Shoes,' was introduced to Ms. Chapman via journalist Brent Pope, the founder of Elephant in the Room and the two agreed to collaborate. Other artists involved include Donegal-based landscape painter Sinead Smyth, whose elephant, titled 'Anything but Me,' will be present at Thursday's launch.
"I know from experience that the most difficult step towards a life of recovery is the very first one," said Adam. "That first conversation with a friend or loved one, a doctor or counsellor is so important, the one that recognises the 'elephant in the room.'
"For me personally, art - in all its forms - brings both comfort and joy. I can think of no better way to raise awareness for the vital conversation around mental health and well-being."
Listen to Adam talking to Ray D'Arcy on RTE Radio 1 about Elephant in the Room.
#elephantintheroommovement.