Born in Milikapiti on Melville Island Brian went to school in Darwin & thereafter lived in central Australia, completing a teacher’s course in the 1980s. On his return to Milikapiti he became a teachers assistant at the local school.

In 1981 he participated in the Kulama ceremony held in Milikapiti. This important Tiwi ceremony is unfortunately rarely practiced any longer. 

Brian painted for ceremony but not commercially until 2004 when he joined Jilamara. Brian say’s about his work “Sometimes there is a story that I follow to keep the memories alive. Like a journey of growing up going through all the stages to manhood – initiations.”

He plays an important role in Tiwi culture, transferring information within the arts. He is a Director on the ANKAA Board.