About Me
Hi, I'm Dawn, a Scottish collage and wildlife artist based in Glenrothes, Fife. Since 2012, I've been creating and selling colourful animal-inspired artworks using painted papers, acrylics, inks and torn paper collage techniques.
My Italian surname, Maciocia, comes courtesy of my husband and is often the first thing people ask about. It's pronounced "Ma-chaw-cha" — as I like to say, it's all in the ch's!
I was born and raised in Kirkcaldy, where my love of art began. As a child, I spent hours sketching animals and birds, and that fascination with wildlife continues to inspire my work today.
I've always enjoyed making things with my hands. As a young mum, I filled my spare time creating salt dough and plaster figurines, novelty cakes, and even designing a collection of animal-themed chocolate moulds for our family confectionery business.
It wasn't until my forties that I returned to education as a mature student. There, I discovered mixed media, printmaking, and the joy of experimenting with paints and inks to create texture and mark-making. Those experiences laid the foundations for the vibrant torn paper collage artworks I create today.
My Animal Characters
Life can feel serious enough at times, so I deliberately create artwork that brings a sense of joy, colour and playfulness. Through layers of painted papers, texture and vibrant colour, I aim to create pieces that are uplifting, light-hearted and sometimes touched with a little humour to make you smile.
My work has been described as whimsical, magical, tactile and full of character. The animals I create often have expressive personalities, and the relationships between them tell their own visual stories. Each piece invites its own interpretation, and it's always fascinating to discover the different connections people make with the characters and scenes I create.
In my colourful world, animals live together in harmony. Foxes and hares happily share the same space, friendships flourish across species, and kindness and curiosity are always part of the story.
Out and About
For many years I exhibited at art and craft shows throughout Scotland, including the annual Pittenweem Arts Festival, where I showcased and sold both my original artwork and printed collections.
Today, I focus on creating and selling my work directly through my website, allowing me more time to develop new pieces in the studio.
When I'm not creating, you'll usually find me outdoors enjoying coastal and countryside walks with my husband and our dog, Sandy. The beautiful East Neuk of Fife is a particular favourite, and the charming fishing villages of Crail, Pittenweem and Elie have inspired the colourful harbour scenes that feature in my work.
I hope my artwork brings you as much joy as I experience creating it. Time seems to disappear when I'm in the studio, and I feel incredibly fortunate to spend my days doing something I genuinely love. Creativity has always been an important part of my life, and I continue to find inspiration every day in the wildlife, landscapes and places that surround me.
Whether you're looking for an original artwork, a fine art print or a unique gift inspired by my wildlife designs, I hope you find something here that makes you smile.
