Plain Folks. People of the Prairies. By Mark Wilson
"Plain Folks: People of the Prairies" by Mark D. Wilson narrates the journey of a local Calgary, Alberta artist, Mark Wilson. Born and raised mere blocks from his current downtown Calgary home, Mark has consistently pursued ambitious artistic goals, driven by a deep desire to understand both the external world and his inner self. Recognized for his exceptional talent, Mark received an automatic acceptance to Emily Carr University during his high school years, following the admiration of his portfolio by a university representative. Despite this enticing opportunity, Mark chose a different path, believing that a comprehensive understanding of life and its diverse cultural and experiential perspectives was crucial before he could fully commit to mastering the art of conveying his message.
This quest for broader life experiences led Mark to make a bold decision: he booked a one-way ticket to East Africa. What ensued was a series of harrowing experiences, including being held in a Tanzanian slum, facing extortion, and narrowly escaping attempts on his life. Moving from one precarious situation to another, Mark eventually regained his freedom. However, the impact of these events lingered; he did not immediately return home and, in many ways, feels he never fully did. The aftermath of this ordeal left Mark with a profound sense of restlessness, a feeling of never being completely safe.
In an attempt to grapple with these feelings, Mark embarked on a journey across Canada, armed with little more than a tent, a sleeping bag, and his skateboard. It was during this period that he stumbled upon an early 20th-century book in an antique store, titled "Plain Folks: A Story of the People of the Prairies." This book, which reflected on the earlier times in Alberta, resonated deeply with Mark, reminding him of his grandmother's tales of life on the Alberta Prairies.
Struggling to find his place in the rapidly evolving city of Calgary, a city defined by its work ethic and recent establishment, Mark wrestled with questions of identity and belonging. He realized that for many, their only common thread is the shared geography. For Mark, that shared space is the Prairies, and "Plain Folks: People of the Prairies" is his endeavour to narrate his story, to capture the essence of this land and its people.
This quest for broader life experiences led Mark to make a bold decision: he booked a one-way ticket to East Africa. What ensued was a series of harrowing experiences, including being held in a Tanzanian slum, facing extortion, and narrowly escaping attempts on his life. Moving from one precarious situation to another, Mark eventually regained his freedom. However, the impact of these events lingered; he did not immediately return home and, in many ways, feels he never fully did. The aftermath of this ordeal left Mark with a profound sense of restlessness, a feeling of never being completely safe.
In an attempt to grapple with these feelings, Mark embarked on a journey across Canada, armed with little more than a tent, a sleeping bag, and his skateboard. It was during this period that he stumbled upon an early 20th-century book in an antique store, titled "Plain Folks: A Story of the People of the Prairies." This book, which reflected on the earlier times in Alberta, resonated deeply with Mark, reminding him of his grandmother's tales of life on the Alberta Prairies.
Struggling to find his place in the rapidly evolving city of Calgary, a city defined by its work ethic and recent establishment, Mark wrestled with questions of identity and belonging. He realized that for many, their only common thread is the shared geography. For Mark, that shared space is the Prairies, and "Plain Folks: People of the Prairies" is his endeavour to narrate his story, to capture the essence of this land and its people.