Lionel was born in the Trangie area of central western NSW The Wirradjerri language word for Trangie means ‘Waterhole’ and his totem is the Rainbow Serpent. He has been an accomplished international Aboriginal artist for over 25 years and has spent a great deal of time discovering his lost heritage and family roots, with a deep sense of wanting and needing to connect with lost family and is traditional ancestry.

Lionel was persuaded many years ago by his tribal Elder in expressing his culture and tribal history on canvas. This was, in essence the re-birthing and the beginning of a long career and a journey of self discovery for him. Trangie endured tribal initiation and the tribal tests in the journey his journey from boyhood into manhood.

His artwork reflects the spirituality, the journey and ancestry of his people. And although there are many restrictions on what he can share in his artwork from oral tribal traditions, he has brought to focus the perfectionism and beauty of his talent.

Lionel's connection to the land, and the reflection of wisdom and ancient traditions of the oldest inhabitants of earth are evident in his awe inspiring art works. Lionel uses a combination of cross-hatching and dot designs, and uses the four basic ochre colours of his ancestral area—black, red, yellow and white. These colours form the basis of his art.One of our more experienced artist, Lionel is a true master of Aboriginal art both traditionally and from a contemporary perspective.