Diane O’Neil was born in 1955, in Armidale NSW. Her family moved to Toowoomba, Qld when she was 5. She undertook work in the Catering and Hotel industry for many years. Diane is a self taught artist who took up art studies at TAFE to improve her skills. She always enjoyed drawing and painting.
Diane moved onto the study of photography, and became a member of the Australian Photographic Society and the Toowoomba Photographic Society. She became a competent Color, and Monochrome print worker. Diane specialized in Social Documentary photography and exhibited in many club, State and National Photographic exhibitions during this period.
After moving to the Gold Coast Diane joined the Gold Coast Potters Assoc in 2004, to learn hand built clay work. Diane studied under Joan Smith, from the Gold Coast Potters Association.
Diane joined the Sculptors’ Society Gold Coast Inc. in late 2005 and studied under Tony Dowers. She has gone onto tuition with Midge Johansen, to further her skills as a clay artist specializing in hand built works.
Places Exhibited where my photography has been exhibited
Awards for photography
Club and South East Qld Assoc of Camera Clubs exhibitions, 1998/99/2000/01/ HC. Numerous acceptances, 1st Place for Best B Grade color print of the year
Qld National Exhibition circuit 1998/99/2000/01/. Numerous acceptances and HC
Royal Brisbane Show 2001, 2nd place, best monochrome print
Gold Coast Show, Entries 2004/2005/2006
Places where my works have been Exhibited
Awards for Hand Built Clay Artworks.
Gold Coast Potters Assoc,
Members exhibition entry 2004
Member’s exhibition HC 2005
Members exhibition 2005, Most popular exhibit
Sculptors’ Society Gold Coast Inc
Erotic and Exotic Exhibition 2006 HC
Erotic and Exotic Exhibition Entry 2007
Erotic and Exotic Exhibition 2008 HC
Passion and Desire Exhibition Entry 2009
Erotic and Exotic Exhibition Entry 2010
Members exhibition 2008 HC Award“
Members Exhibition 2009 HC Award
Members Exhibition 2010 HC Award
Gold Coast Show
1st and 3rd in Sculpture Section 2009
1st and 3rd in Sculpture Section 2010
International Women’s Day - Selected for The Women’s Project 2011
Numerous commissioned works, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast.
Artist’s Statement
My Journey through life has had its ups and downs. Along the way I have noticed our world is lacking in laughter and smiles.
People appear to be very serious as they go about their daily lives. I want to see people being happier and finding enjoyment in their everyday lives.
My aim is to pass onto my viewers the joy I feel during the creation process.
I know I have successfully passed on my feelings when my audience are happy and smile when they see my work.
I do not aim for perfection of representation, but for expression of character in a way that has become my own style.
Australia Day Koala 
The Purple Fairy
A Gay old Cock
A Fish called WANDA