Mick was born in the escarpment country of Arnhem Land at the place called Kukabarnka, which is close to the Liverpool River. During his early years he would travel with his family across much of the surrounding country and sometimes much further to the east and then return to his home country at Yikarrakkal on the Mann River. During these early years there was virtually no white inhabitants here and so Mick had no need to learn English or attend school. During the 2nd World War, Mick and his family spent their time at Milingimbi Mission before returning to his country at the conclusion of the war. It was at this time that Mick worked as a stockman at Oenpelli.

In 1957 Mick settled at Maningrida and it was here that he first began to paint for the purpose of selling them, in return for tobacco, flour and the like. Prior to this, the only painting that he had done was to the inner side of the bark shelters in which he lived in the bush. Mick was taught to paint in the early days by his father, Ngindjalakku, and his father's brothers: Nabulumu, Kamarramg and Malankarra. These men were gifted in the art of painting and would paint in their own style that they passed on to Mick.

During the 1970's Mick received much recognition for his work and his works were shown all around the country. His paintings are now represented in many major collections within Australia and many prominent collections overseas.