Esther and her brother Preston were brought up by their grandmother Gloria Petyarre (deceased). On reaching school age, Esther attended Alekareng (Warrabri) School, living with her father's relatives during school term and living with Gloria during holiday periods in the Utopia Region. It was during her time spent in Utopia that she learned her skills as an artist, often assisting other family members with their paintings.

Esther began painting for herself when she was only 16 years old. The story for her paintings always centering on the women's stories. Esther's first paintings for Mbantua Gallery were in 1999.