Kelly is a proud member of the Antikirinya-Yankunytjatjara people, a connection that comes through her maternal grandmother, Millie Taylor (née Lennon – deceased). She also identifies with the Kokatha people through her grandfather, Edgar Dingaman (deceased), who was a respected senior lore man within their community. With a rich legacy of cultural knowledge and artistic expression, Kelly has dedicated the past 33 years to her passion for painting. Her grandmother played a crucial role in this journey, serving not only as Kelly's teacher but also as a source of inspiration. Millie encouraged her to explore her creativity and imparted many ancient stories to her, which have become the foundation of Kelly’s artistic narrative. In turn, Kelly has made it a priority to pass on these teachings and stories to her daughters Kelilah & T'keyah, ensuring the continuation of their cultural heritage. Kelly often says, “My nana Millie will always be my greatest influence,” acknowledging the profound impact Millie had on her life and work.
The inspirations for Kelly's paintings stem from her vivid childhood experiences and her family's ways of life. Born and raised in the iconic landscapes of central Australia, she fondly recalls the times her family would hunt and gather traditional foods. These activities were integral to their cultural practices and community bonding. Kelly spent her formative years playing amid the stunning, red sandhills surrounding Ernabella (Pukatja), Fregon (Kaltjiti), Ayers Rock (Uluru), Indulkana (Iwantja), Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, and Port Augusta. Each location holds special memories for her—days filled with joy as she and her family camped under the vast skies, surrounded by lush trees, vibrant wildflowers, vast desert sands, and the serene sounds of flowing creeks, rivers, rock holes, and waterholes. These natural settings not only provided a backdrop for her adventures but also became places where she would sit by the campfire, enveloped by the warmth of her community, listening to her nana and other elders as they narrated age-old stories rich with cultural significance.
In her artistic practice, Kelly employs a unique approach to colour and symbolism. She expertly mixes hues to suit the specific stories and designs she wishes to convey while remaining deeply committed to traditional symbolisms embedded in her cultural heritage. Her distinctive dot painting style, which she affectionately refers to as “creeper dots,” is characterized by the intricate blending of overlapping colours. This technique creates a striking visual effect that captivates the eye, seamlessly merging the essence of ancient art with both traditional and contemporary artistic practices. Through her work, Kelly not only expresses her personal experiences and stories but also honours the rich cultural traditions of her ancestors, keeping their legacies alive for future generations.
Kelly has garnered a wealth of accolades and recognition throughout her career, notably alongside her daughters, T’keyah Ware and Kelilah Ware. Both of them have showcased their artistic talents by winning prestigious awards in well-known exhibitions. For instance, they participated in the Our Young Mob Exhibition, where emerging Indigenous artists are celebrated, and T’keyah was recognized as the Abstract Award winner at the 2020 Bluethumb Art Prize, highlighting her exceptional creativity and skill.
In addition to these accomplishments, Kelly has had the privilege of engaging in an array of collaborative projects and publications that underscore her influence in the arts and beyond. Her work and insights have been featured in respected platforms such as Vogue Living, where her artistic vision has reached a wider audience. She has also contributed to important initiatives with organizations like the Royal Flying Doctor Service and 7NEWS, enhancing community awareness and outreach through her art.
Furthermore, Kelly has collaborated with various organizations, including Country Arts SA, Homes to Love, and SANE Australia, among others. These collaborations have allowed her to extend the impact of her work into diverse fields, including health, logistics, and community service. Ingham Australia, Northline Australia's Global Logistics, SA Water, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Peak Iron Mines, AMYAC, and Workskil Australia have also partnered with her, reflecting the broad appeal and relevance of her artistic expressions.
Most notably, Kelly took part in a special collaboration with Disney and Bluethumb for their “From Our Family to Yours” campaign, a project that connected storytelling and creativity in a meaningful way, celebrating family and community ties. Through these various endeavours, Kelly continues to leave a lasting imprint on the artistic landscape, inspiring others along the way.
