Biography

Francis was born in 1980 in Alice Springs. His father is Stanley Marshall Tjapangardi and his mother is Jeannie Wareenie Ross Nampitjinpa. Francis has three siblings, two of them have passed away. Francis’ father, a Warlpiri man, worked as a stockman around Mt Liebig and Papunya. Francis says his father was born somewhere around Mt Hellen and is from Warumungu country, Tennant Creek. Francis grew up travelling with his father, watching him working hard and learning stories. Both of his parents painted in Kintore, as part of Papunya Tula Artists.

Francis went to Yirrara college in Alice Springs where he learnt English. He then moved to Haasts Bluff when he was 20 years old to marry Daphne Marks. They worked together at Ikuntji Women’s Centre when it first opened in 1992. Daphne worked as a cook and Francis helped her, and cleaned as well. They used to arrive early in the morning to prepare breakfast for all the old ladies and men who were painting.

Francis has lived in Haasts Bluff with his wife ever since. They have three children and one granddaughter. He is an active member of the community and works for the council on the maintenance crew. He loves to paint his Wanampi Tjukurrpa – Snake Dreaming Story that was given to him by his Grandfather. He spends his spare time painting at home with Daphne.

When asked why he paints, Francis says, “My grandfather told me…Going and talking country, when the wind blows, I feel that spirit, it makes me happy – that’s why I’m painting on canvas, it makes me happy”.