Originating from Bundi, Madang Province, Cecil came to Port Moresby in 1969 working first as a cleaner at Ilimo Farm, then, in 1973, as a laboratory assistant in the Geology Department at the University of PNG where he started to draw. He entered three pictures into an exhibition at the YWCA in 1976 and won first prize, a three year scholarship to the National Art School.
Five exhibitions of his work were held at the National Art School between 1978 and 1982 and the essence of his style stayed consistent throughout his career although it became increasingly intricate. During the late '70's and early '80's photographic screenprints were made of many of his drawings. Mostly mono prints, much of his work is untitled and reflected his inner world rather than the world around him.