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, stimulating the viewer's senses and intellect. It prompts us to recognise and appreciate the 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.

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.