Mark Milroy’s narrative paintings exude a certain kind of magic. He is deeply engaged with memories of growing up in St Thomas, Ontario, a childhood where the woods, lakes and rivers formed a backdrop to unsupervised escapades and the wildest of high jinks. This engagement with the wonder of the natural world, and the stimulation of experience throughout his life, provide fertile material for this body of work.
The phrase “cowboy up” originated from the world of rodeo and cowboy culture, but transcended its initial context to become a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity. It embodies a mindset of resilience, self-sufficiency, and a never-give-up attitude.
