The following is reproduced from ‘Art & Soul of Kangaroo Valley’, published by the Kangaroo Valley Voice and the Kangaroo Valley Tourist Association in 2012. The more recent photograph, of Dawn with her beloved Honey, was taken by her daughter Tay.
Painter and ceramicist
One of the most versatile artists of Kangaroo Valley is Dawn Daly, who has been here since 2002, after moving from Oberon with husband Bill, who found the cold in Oberon was too severe. Their son Scot lived here, making it a logical move. It was closer to daughter Tay, who lives on the Northern beaches in Sydney, and the new property was a lot smaller, so consequently allowing more time for art!
The Valley’s environment was of course inspirational to the artist in her.
Dawn’s background was in graphic arts, mainly in Bill and Dawn’s advertising agency, Killian Advertising. Later, she added (concurrently) book design and illustration, children’s books, cookery books (‘The Book of Australia’) for Landsdowne Press and later for Murdoch Books. She also illustrated a book of short stories written by R.M.Williams. Over the years, her love of dogs has resulted in hundred of commissioned animal portraits.
While in the ValleyDawn participated in a workshop in oil painting with Derek Watt. Since then, feeling good about the rediscovered medium, it has become her favourite, alongside ceramics. She has had many exhibitions of her work – both paintings and handmade ceramic sculptures. The sculptures feature both real life and whimsy, with more than a few awards thrown in. One of the highlights has been the Wildlife-in-Hand series of birds and animals, of which there are 16 in print.
Her work has found its way into many countries around the world. Originally from Tasmania, then Victoria, Bayview (Sydney) and Oberon, now finally Dawn has settled in the Valley and is still enthusiastic bout her art.