Troy Cowley was born in the United Kingdom but has called Australia home since 1990. He has suffered from mental health issues for much of his life.

Troy has been creating art since he was a child. He is strongly driven by a number of artistic elements, including composition, line and in particular the use of strong colour to evoke an emotional response in the viewer. His recent works reflect his new energy for life and the lifting of his depression. When he paints he says he gets a certain peace that he can't find elsewhere – "So I shall continue on this artistic journey of self fulfilment and learning".

Troy's work has been featured in numerous exhibitions. In 2010 and 2011 Troy was an award winner in the Art from the Margins Brisbane Festival and his work has been acquired for the Art from the Margins – Wesley Mission Brisbane Permanent Collection.