William was born near Ernabella in South Australia. Since 1973, he has lived with his family in Papunya, where he commenced painting in 1975. In the early 80’s, he began painting for the Papunya Tula Artists. Some of his subjects include dingo, emu, women and green bean. William is also a very knowledgeable traditional medicine man. He is married to Violet Nakamarra, the sister of Michael Nelson Jakamarra.