ABOUT ME
My name is Daniel McDonald (he/him), and I’m a proud Deaf First Nations LGBTQIA+ artist. As a Gadigal and Wonnarua man, I represent Aboriginal art through Deadly Hand Talk, blending traditional cultural practices with my own lived experience and have been developing my skills as an emerging visual artist for over fifteen years.
My art is deeply rooted in the teachings passed down by my grandmother and my Aunty Mum Shirl, who taught me the cultural significance of Aboriginal dot painting. This style, widely recognised across Australia by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, allows me to tell stories that reflect my identity, heritage, and community.
While I'm inspired by the Western Desert dot painting techniques, I also bring in the textures, colours and
energy of my coastal NSW and inner Sydney upbringing. In my work, I fuse traditional methods with contemporary iconography to explore the intersections of identity, culture, and pride.
As part of Sydney WorldPride 2023, I was honoured to be named one of the 45 Rainbow Champions for my contributions to the Australian LGBTQIA+ community and culture. I had the privilege of offering the Welcome to Country at the iconic Mardi Gras Parade, and delivered a speech, alongside my interpreter, at the
Human Rights Conference.
I am passionate about amplifying the voices of people living with disabilities in the arts and culture sectors and am committed to creating space for diverse stories to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Welcome to Country
As a member of the Sydney Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, if you would like me to participate in a Welcome to Country on Gadigal land, please include my name in your request to the Council.
Various Mediums Available
Deadly Hand Talk is available across a range of mediums so you can enjoy the art in the way that suits you best.
Choose from high-quality prints and canvases for your walls, or take it with you on everyday essentials like totes and t-shirts.
Deadly Hand Talk
‘Deadly’
Indigenous argot for something proud, powerful, and awesome.
‘Hand Talk’
The language of expression through
the hands.
Whats Next?
I plan to continue producing the Deadly Hand Talk Exhibition, sharing my evolving style of work while championing my voice and contribution as a person with a Disability within the Arts and Cultural sector.
Warriewood Community Battery
Skylight
In May 2024, I wrapped Ausgrid ’s new community battery in Warriewood with my artwork Skylight. The battery , connected to 156 local homes, stores excess solar energy to lower bills and support the shift to renewables.
As a proud Deaf First Nations Wonnarua artist living on Gadigal land, it’s an honour to bring culture and story into this important community project.
NAIDOC Week 2025
Bondi Junction Westfield
For NAIDOC Week 2025, my artwork was proudly displayed at Bondi Junction Westfield. It’s an incredible honour to have my work featured in such a public space during a week that celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
My art is shaped by the environment, human connection, and the Dreamtime. Having it showcased in Bondi Junction means these stories and perspectives will reach new audiences, sparking conversations and celebrating culture in the heart of the community.
Welcome to Country
NSW Parliament House
I was honoured to deliver the Welcome to Country
at NSW Parliament House for the launch of the
Auslan K–10 Syllabus.
It was an important day for the Deaf Auslan community,
with strong presentations that celebrated culture,
language, and education. I am proud to have contributed
to such a meaningful moment in Parliament.
History with Dots
Conversations today debate that dots were not from New South Wales. I was taught this style before those types of conversations began and so I believe that makes me unique and I work hard to produce my style of work. My artwork keeps developing its style year by year and I am proud that I have been given the knowledge from my Elders.
Acknowledgement of Country
Deadly Hand Talk acknowledges the Gadigal people as the Traditional Custodians of eastern coastal and central Sydney.
We pay our Respects to Elders past and present.
Always was Always will be Aboriginal Land.
