David was born in Perth but grew up in Mulan and went to school there before returning to Perth for boarding school. His grandmothers country is Ngantalarra near Yagga, Yagga. His grandfathers country is in the Gibson desert.

His mother, Ivy Robertson, was an artist at the art centre in Balgo, and he was inspired by her work.

When he finished his schooling he moved closer to Alice Springs to spend time with his father and his family at Kiwirrkurra community. There he watched the old people paint, and learned a lot from them.

David enjoyed living in Kiwirrkurra and learnt much from his grandfather about his Country, particularly from famous Papunya Tula artist Uta Uta Tjangala. As an adult, David  painted occasionally for Papunya Tula when he visited Kiwirrkurra.

Today David paints in both Halls Creek and Kununurra - he paints vibrant, expressionistic landscapes inspired by his Country.