Finke River

Language: Western Arrernte

Country: Rainbow Valley

Peter was born in Oodnadatta, South Australia, and comes from a large family. Peter’s father worked as a station hand in the central desert region. As a small boy Peter accompanied his father as he worked on stations from Horse Shoe Bend through to Hermannsburg, 120km west of Alice Springs. These early years in Hermannsburg shaped Peter’s lifelong interest in painting. Not only did the picturesque location of Hermannsburg (set amongst the West MacDonnell Ranges) capture his imagination, but the example set by Hermannsburg artist, Albert Namatjira influenced him greatly. After completing his schooling in Adelaide Peter returned to live in Alice Springs. Peter spent many hours painting alongside Clem Abbott and Keith Namatjira, where he further developed the initial drawing and painting skills he’d learnt at school. Peter has painted all of his adult life and is a skilled, mature watercolour artist.