INTRODUCTION

“In my series of 'Broken Egg' paintings, I draw inspiration from the tradition of Dutch Masters while exploring the symbolism and historical significance of the humble egg. Rooted in the techniques of the Dutch masters still life, I aim to capture light and shadow of the period while infusing a contemporary perspective into the genre.

Through these 'Broken Egg' paintings, I invite viewers to delve into the layers of symbolism and meaning embedded in both the subject matter and the artistic process. By bridging classical techniques with a contemporary narrative, I aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation, offering enduring themes of life, light, and the delicate balance between creation and decay.”

- Llael McDonald

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Llael McDonald's work is moody and nostalgic. with underlying narratives that change from viewer to viewer. Delving into the familiar and bringing forward the ordinary to be presented to an audience with emotional and visual elevation.

Llael aims to ignite conversations about our collective history, the diversity of culinary traditions, and the integral role of food in shaping contemporary society. Her work serves as a visual feast for the eyes, stimulating the viewer's senses and intellect. It prompts us to recognise and appreciate the intricate tapestry of influences that have contributed to the development of civilisation, urging us to celebrate the power of food as a unifying force and a testament to our shared human experience.

HISTORY

Llael McDonald grew up in the inner-city Melbourne suburb of Spotswood and showed and early propensity toward the visual arts, particularly painting, which set her on the path as a professional artist at a young age. In her tertiary years Llael attended ICAD (independent college of Art and Design) situated in the creative and high energy hub of Chapel Street Melbourne. She studied painting under artist Terri Matassonni and graduated with one of the top portfolios in 1996.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

101 Collins in the CBD of Melbourne (1995)

The ICAD Galleries in Prahran, Melbourne (1993 to 1996)

The Cherry Tree Restaurant in Prahran, Melbourne (1996)

Pantechnicon Gallery in Daylesford in Joint exhibitions (2003)

The Melbourne Art Fair (2004)

Pantechnicon gallery “Studies in Light, solo show. (2005)

Pivotal Galleries in Richmond (2004 to 2005)

The Substation Newport (2007-2009)

Solo Show Arthouse Ink Gallery (2011)

Group Exhibition Arthouse Ink Galleries, Yarraville (2011)

Blue Raincoat Spotswood (2012)

The Black Dog Footscray (2012)

Fawn Gallery Collingwood (2013)

Solo Show, Catherine Abel Galleries (2014)

Solo Show, Cosmopolitan Trentham (2015)

Solo show, Cosmopolitan Hotel Trentham (2019)

The Banquet, group exhibition Weswall Gallery, Tamworth NSW 2021

Sydney Affordable Art Fair 2022

Melbourne Affordable Art Fair 2022

Micheal Read Sydney and Le Cornue Australia exhibition 2022

Solo show “Sumptuous” Sketch Co Gallery 2023

Sydney affordable art Fair 2023

Solo show, “Plenty” Sketch Co gallery 2023

CurrentLittle Gallery Trentham, Victoria

Michael Reid Norther Beaches, Sydney

Michael Reid Southern Highlands NSW

The Toowoomba Gallery, QLD

Han Feng art Space New York, New York

Compendium Gallery, Melbourne

Art to Art Gallery, Melbourne

Among the Pines Galley, UK

AWARDS

Finalist in the Lethbridge Small Scale Art Prize 2014

Finalist in Bluethumb Art Prize 2017

Highly Commended Trentham Easter Art Show 2017 and 2019

Finalist in the Lethbridge Scale Art Prize 2022

Winner of the Curators Still life prize Tacit Gallery Melbourne 2022

Winner of the Peoples Choice award Still life art prize Tacit Gallery 2023

Finalist in National Emerging Art Prize 2023