‘Durational’ art all in name of saving lives
SIMPLY staying awake for 25 hours is a big enough ask but when one has to concentrate while creating art at the same time it becomes a herculean effort.
However, that’s what artist Dan Elborne was doing in Toowoomba in the name of art and raising awareness for suicide prevention.
Mr Elborne created a separate piece of clay art every 40 seconds — a one-to-one ratio to the rate of suicide around the globe.
Mr Elborne was commissioned by Adderton, a new art foundation with a gallery opening in Brisbane in June next year, to create the artwork during Suicide Prevention Week.
Mr Elborne is partnered with the White Wreath Foundation, a voluntary organisation which raises awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.
The art project involved Mr Elborne applying his thumb or finger indentation to terra-cotta clay pieces which will eventually be fired and glazed before being exhibited at the Brisbane gallery.
“There’s still a lot of work to do but this is a critical stage of the project,” an obviously weary Mr Elborne said.
At the 25-hour point, he had completed 2273 pieces.
“Each one of the pieces represents someone,” explained Alexandra Lawson who is overseeing the project.
“The Adderton gallery was once a convent and the sisters have been watching Dan on live stream.
“The project is also a way to help raise donations for the White Wreath Foundation which does amazing work.”
To learn more about the project or to donate to the foundation, go to danelborne.com/tbd
■ If you or someone you know needs help, contact: Lifeline 13 11 14; Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467; Beyondblue 1300 22 44 36.