Billy Cooley was born on a cattle station on the Barkly Tablelands of the Northern Territory and spent much of his early life as a stockman. He and his Pitjantjatjara wife, Lulu have always worked closely together raising their six children and making spectacular carvings on their home land, Ulaipa near Amata on the APY Lands of South Australia. They have been long term directors of Maruku, working closely with management for decades. The couple has participated in many exhibitions and carving demonstrations at Uluru as well as nationally and overseas.

Billy’s snakes are in high demand worldwide. His distinctive design was copied from a real snake. His great carving skills can be seen in the way his snakes are shaped. They have also collaborated with Sydney designer Tony Hurd on a furniture series with Altone Design. Billy and Lulu now take great pride in passing on their skills not only to their children but grand and great-grandchildren as well.