Pepai was born in Haasts Bluff, and later moved to Papunya when the new settlement was created there.
He went to school in Papunya before moving to Areyonga, where he finished school.
He then travelled onhorses with his family to Eagle Bore, which is a homeland just north of Ernabella, and he's been living in Ernabella ever since. His first work was building fences around the Ernabella station, and later worked in the Ernabella community cleaning septic tanks and doing other jobs.
He also worked in the community office and was the community Chairperson.
He became a warden when he was still a 'youngfella', and he also became the Director of Nganampa Health, the regional health body.
He was then appointed the Community Constable, a position he held until 2006 when illness forced him to retire.
He married Alison (Milyika) Carroll when he was a youngfella working in the community office.
They have 5 children and three grandchildren.
Milyika is the Director of Ananguku Arts. On retiring, Pepai began to paint, commencing work at the art centre in early 2009.
In November 2010 Pepai was elected Chair of Ernabella Arts Executive Committee.
His distinct style in depicting his father's country has meant his work has already been collected by the Art Gallery of South Australia and hung in the South Australian Museum. In July 2012 he will be exhibiting in Singapore..
Pepai was born in Haasts Bluff, and later moved to Papunya when the new settlement was created there.
He went to school in Papunya before moving to Areyonga, where he finished school.
He then travelled onhorses with his family to Eagle Bore, which is a homeland just north of Ernabella, and he's been living in Ernabella ever since. His first work was building fences around the Ernabella station, and later worked in the Ernabella community cleaning septic tanks and doing other jobs.
He also worked in the community office and was the community Chairperson.
He became a warden when he was still a 'youngfella', and he also became the Director of Nganampa Health, the regional health body.
He was then appointed the Community Constable, a position he held until 2006 when illness forced him to retire.
He married Alison (Milyika) Carroll when he was a youngfella working in the community office.
They have 5 children and three grandchildren.
Milyika is the Director of Ananguku Arts. On retiring, Pepai began to paint, commencing work at the art centre in early 2009.
In November 2010 Pepai was elected Chair of Ernabella Arts Executive Committee.
His distinct style in depicting his father's country has meant his work has already been collected by the Art Gallery of South Australia and hung in the South Australian Museum. In July 2012 he will be exhibiting in Singapore..