Daniel’s childhood was shaped by life on a farm in Gymbowen, West Wimmera, after being born in Nhill, Victoria. Yet, it was the family’s relocation to Mildura, Victoria, at the age of ten that profoundly introducedhim to the vibrant cultural traditions of the Indigenous community there.

Embraced warmly by this community, Daniel and his family engaged deeply with both traditional and contemporary cultural practices. This immersion enabled them to overcome the constraints of generational ignorance and hardship that they had previously faced due to limited cultural acceptance.

As they were welcomed into the Latji Latji and Barkindji communities, extensive research led Daniel and his family to develop a meaningful connection to their ancestry, tracing their roots to the Yorta Yorta tribal lands. Today, Daniel holds a strong sense of pride in his Yorta Yorta heritage. He dedicates himself to learning, practicing, and sharing aspects of his cultural knowledge to ensure that this heritage endures for future generations.

Daniel’s artistic journey has been varied, featuring exhibitions at respected venues such as Workspace 3496 Gallery, Mildura Art Centre Gallery, Dulka Yuppata Training Centre Gallery, and prominently, the Koorie Heritage Trust’s Birrarung Building Gallery. There, he was honored with the Creative Victorian Award for Excellence in Any Media for his woven artwork, Goanna Outback 2023.

His creative passion spans many mediums and methods, including drawing, sculpture, painting, and large-scale public murals. Nevertheless, sculptural weaving is where Daniel has found his true calling. By blending traditional weaving techniques with contemporary shapes and materials, he experiences this craft as a therapeutic practice central to his personal healing.

Throughout his artistic career, Daniel has consistently drawn inspiration and support from his family and community. Their steadfast encouragement has empowered him to explore his creative capabilities, deepen his ties to his cultural heritage, and continue evolving as an artist.