Name: Kelilah Ware
Nationality: Aboriginal
Tribe: Antikirinya/Kokatha/Wirangu/Narungga
Language: Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara
Born: Port Augusta SA 5700
I was born in Port Augusta in 1999 but spent my growing up years in Ceduna, in the small community of Warevilla on the west coast of South Australia. My great-grandmother Millie Taylor, nee Lennon, who is deceased, and my mother Kelly Taylor are the inspiration behind all of the amazing paintings and stories that I create.
My art journey started while watching my mother and sister painting, so I thought I would give it a go. Today, I love painting and continue to create artworks inspired by my mum and sister. I paint part-time while being a part of our family business, KT Aboriginal Fine Art. My mum has taught me how to create a painting using different designs, stories, techniques, and styles, and how to blend colours to create my own paintings that show my family and great-grandmother’s journey across country, hunting and gathering traditional foods to survive off the land.
I have participated in many art exhibitions and collaborated with a range of businesses, just a few to name include Workskil Australia, where my artwork is proudly displayed across offices nationwide, and Vista Print x Bluethumb.
My style of dot painting is created using lines and waves, giving my paintings an eye-catching effect that makes my artwork exquisite, culturally significant, and breathtaking. Through my paintings, I continue to honour my family’s legacy, showcase the rich traditions of my people, and share the beauty of Aboriginal art with audiences across Australia.