Art for Action Online Guide

Christian Keller

Art: Poetry:

What is my series?

This series is about my personal experience being neurodivergent in the modern world. Being late diagnosed, it can be difficult to express my true thoughts without the feeling of scrutiny creeping in. This is why I'm very proud to be part of an exhibition that uplifts artists in the same position as me and strives to spread the positive message of unity.

What is art to me?

As you may be able to recognize from the poems in this series, art is to me what it is for most - an outlet for your soul. However, I believe it can be used to promote positive change and feelings, and this angle, to me, is when art is at its finest.

What role does art play in building an inclusive future?

As previously mentioned, art's promotion of positive change is crucial in building something beautiful. Perhaps one day the right words, or lyrics, or any sculpture of feeling can tug the heartstrings of those who never knew they had any to begin with.

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Christian Keller - Neurodivergent Artist Series - Q & A

Christian Keller - Modern Mental Math

ALT Description: A minimalist graphic design featuring the text "Modern Mental Math" in elegant serif fonts. The background has a cream color with a green horizontal band in the center, dividing the text. Vertical lines in varying colors (gray, green, red, and yellow) frame the text on both sides, creating a balanced and symmetrical design. The image conveys a clean and modern aesthetic.

Christian Keller - Shimmer

ALT Description: A split image featuring a poem titled "Shimmer" by C. Keller on a cream background with red borders at the top. The poem reflects on the passage of time, self-reflection, and the search for meaning. Below the poem, a vibrant photograph showcases a serene lake surrounded by a forest of autumn-colored trees with their reflections mirrored in the water. A small house with red and white accents sits peacefully by the lakeside under a bright blue sky.

Christian Keller - Neurodivergent Artist Series - The Impossibility of Severing One's Self (TIOSOS)

ALT Description: A split image featuring a poem titled "The Impossibility Of Severing One's Self" by C. Keller on a cream background with green borders at the top. The poem explores themes of escape, connection to nature, and inner peace through vivid imagery and introspection. Below the poem, a serene photograph shows a misty forest with tall evergreen trees partially shrouded in fog, evoking a sense of calm and introspection.

Christian Keller - Windmill

ALT Description: A split image featuring a poem titled "Windmill" by C. Keller on a cream background with blue-gray borders. The poem reflects on the timeless presence and contemplative nature of a windmill, exploring themes of stillness, science, and the significance of silence. Below the poem, a black-and-white photograph showcases two traditional windmills by the water, with rippling waves in the foreground and soft clouds in the sky, creating a serene and nostalgic atmosphere.

Joanne Touhey

Art: Poetry:

What does art mean to you?

To me, art is a voice beyond words. It is a way to express emotions, experiences, and perspectives that cannot always be easily shared. Art connects us, even when we face barriers.

In your opinion, what role does art play in building an inclusive future?

Writing allows us to share personal stories that might otherwise go unheard. By giving voice to our struggles and perspectives, written or visual art becomes a bridge to understanding. It's a therapeutic and healing process that opens doors for empathy, helping others connect with different experiences. In this way, art plays a crucial role in building a more inclusive and compassionate future.

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Joanne Touhey - In the Silence, We Hear

My piece, "In the Silence, We Hear," is a visual and poetic reflection on hearing loss. It features a poem paired with the word "inclusion" in sign language. The piece expresses the quiet strength of those, including myself, who navigate a world without full hearing.

ALT Description: An illustration titled "In the Silence, We Hear" featuring hand signs forming letters of the alphabet in Irish Sign Language (ISL), with hands of diverse skin tones. Below the illustration, a poem explores themes of living in silence, navigating a quiet world, and embracing differences. It emphasizes that silence is not emptiness but full of unspoken meaning, calling for understanding and breaking through barriers together. The design combines accessibility awareness with inclusivity and empowerment.

Sadbh Caulfield

Art: Poetry:

What does art mean to you?

Art means a lot to me. It's helped me in many ways. It's emotional, cathartic, therapeutic, a job, a hobby etc. It is something that I can turn to with any emotion and create a piece that means something.

What role does art play in building an inclusive future?

Art is a universal language. In some form of media, we can all enjoy and interpret art. It is a platform that can access all marginalised people and breakdown stereotypes. Art comes in all forms, echoing society. It creates a space for people to be listened to.

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Sadbh - Worshipping the problem

This is for my mum. “Worrying is worshiping the problem” is something my mum has started saying to me recently and it stuck with me. The two graphics represent the spiral an anxiety attack can cause. The grid and abstract spacing represents the struggle to be grounded and remember that it is only worshipping the problem.

"WORRYING IS WORSHIPPING THE PROBLEM"
Additional text at the bottom left corner: "Redirect the energy toward solutions, hope, and trust in the process"

ALT Description: A grid-based design with alternating red and white squares, featuring hand-drawn illustrations and bold black text. The top row includes an illustration of hands creating a cat's cradle string figure. Below it, text reads: "Worrying is worshiping the problem." Additional squares include an illustration of a person standing next to a spherical diagram labeled "Horizon" and "Now." The bottom-left square states, "Redirect the energy toward solutions, hope, and trust in the process." The design emphasizes reflection, mindfulness, and focusing energy positively.

Sadbh Caulfield - What If?

This is a piece representing a form of OCD that I have lived with for most of my life. Constant 'what if' scenarios would come into my mind, paired with compulsions. And then I saw this quote of “What if it all works out?” Which flipped the narrative.

ALT Description: A gray textured background featuring the bold, distressed text "WHAT IF?" at the top in a fragmented, edgy font. Below, vertical and diagonal phrases in varying alignments repeat anxious thoughts such as "Check it," "Count to five," "Don't step on the crack," and "Rewrite it." At the bottom, subtle embossed text reads, "What if it all works out?" The design captures a contrast between worry and hope, exploring themes of overthinking and optimism.

Holly Wolohan

Art: Poetry:

What does art meant to you?

Art to me means communication and response to the world around you. Poetry - in a variety of forms, registers, and traditions - provides a playful space to create and construct a vision of inclusive futures, while allowing the disabled experience to be framed within its form.

In your opinion, what role does Art play in building an inclusive future?

This poem is a brief, personal response to the powerful poem 'Wonder Woman' by Ada Limón, which speaks of invisible illness, chronic pain and drawing unexpected fortitude from another's example. Art provides an opportunity to learn from and enjoy the experiences of other people with disabilities. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this event and embodiment of 'An Mheitheal' - a working community.

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Holly Wolohan - River Collection

ALT Description: This image features a bilingual poem titled Sruthmheabhair na hAbhann (River Recollection) in both Irish and English, displayed on a blue brushstroke-like background with decorative white cloud motifs. The poem reflects on personal growth, learning, and life's journey using metaphors of rivers and flowing currents. The poet, Cuileann Ní Uallacháin, is credited at the bottom. The visual elements emphasize fluidity and introspection, complementing the themes of the poem.

Jessica K. Doyle

Art: Poetry:

What does Art mean to you?

Art, to me, is a bridge between my inner world and the external reality—a language that mirrors the way my thoughts naturally form. It offers a structure that feels more aligned with how I process and understand the world, allowing me to translate emotions, ideas, and experiences into something tangible. Through art, I can express complexities that often feel impossible to convey with words, giving shape to what resides within and creating a space where others can glimpse and connect with my internal landscape.

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Jessica K. Doyle - Trains

Trains was written after my first day of college, during a moment of reflection as I waited for the train. While I stood in stillness, observing, others buzzed with anticipation, and the poem captures this contrast—a quiet contemplation of transition and movement and diverse perceptions.

ALT Description: A poem titled Trains by Jessica K. Doyle is presented on a soft beige background with faint train track illustrations running vertically along both sides. The poem delves into themes of anticipation, movement, and introspection, exploring metaphors of trains and their journeys. The imagery evokes both physical and emotional travels, capturing fleeting moments of reflection and connection. At the bottom, a train track loops, symbolizing the continuous journey. The text is laid out in a clear, elegant format, complemented by the train motif.

Jessica K. Doyle - Pink Lanes

Pink Lanes emerged instinctively, without a planned structure, as much of my writing does. It speaks to the experience of processing something lost yet lingering in the mind—a journey of processing attempts and plans for more.

ALT Description: A poem titled Pink Lanes by Jessica K. Doyle is displayed on a white background with splashes of pink and black ink framing the page. The poem explores themes of pain, memory, and the struggle for clarity. At the bottom right, there is a circular abstract illustration in shades of pink, purple, and teal, resembling a microscopic or cosmic view. The artwork complements the reflective and introspective tone of the poem.

Jessica K. Doyle - Fizzy Feet

Fizzy Feet explores the beauty of slowing down and taking scenic routes literally and metaphorically. Written in a moment of magic and music and connection, though not initially about cats, on reflection it reminded me of moments spent walking with my two cats, where their curiosity anchors me to the present. Their playful exploration reminds me of childhood nostalgia— muddy boots stuck in the muck, little paws and how nature teaches us to slow down and immerse ourselves, even in moments of discomfort. The poem is also about finding growth and reflection in those too-light or too-tight or uncomfortable spaces and the wonder and growth one can find in the places we often try to avoid.

ALT Description: A poem titled Fizzy Feet by Jessica K. Doyle is written in black text on a soft gradient background of green and yellow hues. The poem describes themes of reflection, nostalgia, and finding peace. In the bottom-right corner, there is a simple black outline drawing of a cat stepping into a puddle, its tail raised. The illustration adds a whimsical touch to the contemplative tone of the poem.

Audrey Steinier

Art: Mixed Media:

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Audrey Steinier ~ Description of Artwork

This artwork is about the frustration and pain that comes with having a disability or illness that is not understood by the medical community. I have been prescribed medication for my chronic pain where the side effects of that medication were more pain of the same variety. Doctors are unsure of the origin of your pain or how you experience the pain, and so seem to prescribe medication based on your explanation of the pain (being neurodivergent does not help with this). In this artwork I have used my own medication tablets, their side effects, and the 2025 national gallery of Ireland's calendar.

What does art mean to you? What role does art play in building an inclusive future?

Art is one of the only ways for marginalised people to express themselves in a capitalist society. Through art, marginalised people can make themselves and their opinions visible to the dominant culture. Hopefully pushing for change not just in the art space but in greater society. Through art an individual can also process their anger and sadness that occurs in our current system of governance.

ALT Description: An artwork featuring a National Gallery of Ireland calendar with stitched pill blister packs pinned across multiple dates, emphasising a sense of routine, medicalisation, or health-related themes. The calendar is layered with textured backgrounds and imagery, including birds and abstract patterns, adding a symbolic or emotional depth to the piece. Red threads connect the blister packs, creating a web-like visual narrative. This piece reflects themes of time, medication, and the impact of health on daily life, presented as part of an inclusive art event celebrating diverse perspectives.