50 Over 50: The Embodiment of an Artist - Heather Powers' Natural Dye Flow

At 52, Heather Powers is exploring mud and clay resist pattern texts on fabrics combined with natural dyes. They're working with indigo, captivated by the shades of blue it yields. There is a process of alchemy that transforms humble plants' leaves into royal shades of indigo.

There's been a continuous thread—they're a weaver and fiber artist—throughout their creative career. For the early part, they were focused on developing technical skills and a personal language through patterns, colors, and motifs. They were interested in seeing a finished product to validate their identity as an artist.

Now, they're less concerned with learning things the right way, or finishing products. They're more invested in personal exploration (play) and expressions as embodiment of being an artist. They realize there is a privilege of not having to make art but there is also freedom. They spent 15 years pursuing and achieving competence and success in a commercial sense (as a designer). Now, 10 years outside of that aspect of their creative identity, they feel free of labels and can say with all confidence and authenticity that they are the embodiment of an artist.

What's actually hard about being an artist at this point? Committing to the discipline of an art practice. Because of the commodified mindset of the arts/market, making sometimes feels like a frivolous hobby.

Someone just turned 50 and wants to start making art—what do they tell them? Why not! You have nothing to lose. Just play.

Do they try to keep up with what matters in the art world? They try to keep up for the sake of understanding the whole and supporting other artists, but not as it relates to their artwork.

What do artists their age bring to the table that younger artists don't? The deep value of skills, wisdom, and practiced craft that only comes with time spent doing. This can come earlier or later in life, depending on what one dedicates their time to.

What are they working on next? They're working on rediscovering how the language they developed as a young artist bears on the work they're making today. They're looking for those connections and what still feels relevant, perhaps in a fresh way. As they get older they are constantly thinking about the legacy of the stuff they make and its value to society and culture. They feel compelled to make, but then what to do with this stuff?

What keeps them going when everything feels impossible? Nature, music, dance/movement—anything that gets them out of their head into their heart or using their hands and being fully embodied.

What do they wish they'd known when they were younger? Nothing. They probably wouldn't have listened. Some things have to be figured out as you go and require doing, not telling or being told.

More artists at this stage deserve respect and recognition. Even if we don't love the aesthetic, chances are there are some deep skills and wisdom to be learned from their art/lives and practices.

Heather studied Fibers at Savannah College of Art and Design and began their textiles career working at one of the oldest weaving mills in the US, Churchill Weavers. Since college, they have continued to weave and learn about natural dye techniques. They spent 15 years as a textile and carpet designer collaborating with designers and architects worldwide to create custom designs. Since 2010, they've worn many hats—designer, textile consultant, teacher, professional organizer and appraiser.

Their creative work investigates themes of memory, place, and identity through discarded vintage materials that retain embodied 'memories.' They began working with indigo shortly after moving to South Carolina in 2012. While working with natural fibers and dyes, they've come to understand their belonging in the reciprocal exchange with earth's flora. Falling into this time and space for nourishment feels critical to humanity.

It was partially what was missing in their life as an industry textile designer where they mostly spent time in a space with fluorescent lights, and in front of computer screens. Their connection with nature and interest in living more sustainably are what keeps them actively interested in studying and making textiles with natural dyes and natural fibers. This is the kind of time and space that some makers describe as flow.

Placing their hands on the earth while tending their garden feels like one of the most urgent things in their life. This way of both belonging to the earth and cultivating plants that will nourish them and their community seems to hint at what might be missing in many people's lives.

They serve on the board of the International Center for Indigo Culture, a nonprofit promoting the art, science, and history of natural indigo.

At 52, they're less concerned with learning things the right way. They're more invested in play. They are the embodiment of an artist. Nature, music, dance—anything that gets them out of their head into their heart or using their hands and being fully embodied.

Why not! You have nothing to lose. Just play.

Connect with Heather: Website: Hkpowerstudio.com Instagram: @Heather_k_powers

JOIN US: 50 OVER 50

Inspired by Sharon Louden's "Last Artist Standing," we're seeking artists 50+ who are still creating, still contributing, still leading.

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Share your story:

• 1 photo of you creating

• 1 artwork image (title, medium, size, year)

• Your insights on sustaining creativity through life's challenges

Because mature artists aren't just surviving—they're thriving, leading, and lighting the way.

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