Joseph lane was born in Papunya in 1961. He is the son of Maudie Jugadai and Phillip Lane and the grandson (on his mothers side) of Timothy (Timmy) Jugadai Tjungurrayi (1920-1988) and his first wife, Bessie. His grandfather Timmy was born in 1920 in the dry Alalbi creek bed near Haasts Bluff, Northern Territory. Timmy’s father was a Ngalia (southern Warlpiri) man and his mother, a Luritja woman. Timmy and his second wife Narputta Nangala Jugadai were founding members of Ikuntji Artists. Timmy, who had been painting since the 1970’s, inspired his wives and children to paint. Leading on a tradition of painting story and country that continues today.

Joseph Lane has spent much of his life working as a stockman between Haasts Bluff, Glen Helen and Papunya. He now lives in Haasts Bluff and Papunya with his wife and fellow painter, Ann Lane nee Dixon. The couple have been painting alongside each other at Ikuntji Artists for many years. Joseph’s father, Phillip is a Warumungu man, from a region located 40km from Tennant Creek. Joseph paints this country and the travelling Ngapa Tjukurrpa (Rain Dreaming) that was passed down to him from his father.