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50 Over 50: What Are You Waiting For - Marni Myers' Cyanotype Alchemy

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At 55, Marni Myers is fired up about cyanotype multi-layering. They're investigating the expressive possibilities of alternative photographic processes through cyanotype, layered imagery, hand-applied toners, and embroidered details. Their approach resists precision in favor of painterly textures, imperfect edges, and tactile presence, revealing their hands-on approach within a process historically tied to replication and science.


Since they reached 50, their dedication to their craft increased along with a constant drive to focus on alternative photographic processes. They're allowing themselves time and patience for discovery, knowing that experimentation is key. The goal is to carve out time outside their full-time role so that when they retire, they'll be established in this practice.


What's actually hard about being an artist at this point? The most difficult part is that their desire to focus on this artistic endeavor has greatly increased, and they wish they could dedicate their days to it. Until this practice generates monthly income, they'll stay the course on their daytime role as a Creative Director and Graphic Designer. Another challenging area is to remind themselves to celebrate every milestone and every effort, regardless of acceptance into exhibitions or residences or not.


Someone just turned 50 and wants to start making art—what do they tell them? They would ask them what they are waiting for. Jump in and begin. There is no better time than the present to work with your hands and stimulate your mind.


Do they try to keep up with what matters in the art world? Although they strive to keep up with everything life throws their way, they know that they are better off, and happier when they throw in the towel and surrender to something each day. If they focus on a couple areas and do them well, versus trying to complete the entire to-do list, they would enjoy life more. It's easier said than done.


What do artists their age bring to the table that younger artists don't? Artists who entered their 50s have years of experience to pull from. Many of them no longer care about the concerns that used to keep them up at night. Their biggest win has been being able to try something to see if they enjoy it and later learning that it's a door they can close, eliminating one less distraction from what they focus on.


What are they working on next? They're currently experimenting with spatial relationships and perspectives by assembling collage pieces onto wood panels and applying prints to wooden blocks. It's also interesting to see how the chemicals react to ceramic tiles. The texture can be a blessing or a challenge. They aspire to produce multi-layered pieces that show further dimensionality in installation to push boundaries of this medium. They foresee layering fabrics and exploring larger formats to allow viewers to move around their work, on and off the wall, to achieve an interactive experience.


What keeps them going when everything feels impossible? When life challenges them, it is so rewarding to know that they have a safe haven to turn to for solace, which is creative expression and quiet discoveries. By celebrating their creative passions, they allow themselves to enter a space of meditative practice where everything else falls away and they can focus on their craft.


What do they wish they'd known when they were younger? That it's a blessing to experiment and explore the endless possibilities that artistic endeavors can bring. Art is subjective, and there is no right or wrong. Listen to your intuition and follow it. Forget about those that provide feedback that do not understand how you reached your artistic decisions.


Ultimately, what they've learned is that their work is no longer about digitally printing another image to frame. The results are one of a kind, and more precious.


Marni Myers is an interdisciplinary artist and visual alchemist chasing an obscure, dream-like state of minimalistic and imperfect layers. Using the alternative process of cyanotype printing to create quiet discoveries within the photographic image, they reveal their artist's hand through tactile layered compositions, painterly textures, soft tonal transitions, and loose edges that resist perfection.


Their work has been exhibited in numerous national solo and group exhibitions including D'art Gallery in Denver, Center for Photographic Art in Carmel, The Photographer's Eye Collective + Gallery in Escondido, LightBox Photographic Gallery in Astoria, and PhotoPlace in Middlebury. They are the winner of the 2025 Paula Riff Award for experimental alternative photography. They hold a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and they live and work in Denver, Colorado.


At 55, they're combining light-sensitive chemistry with intuitive mark-making. They're creating works that merge photography, painting, and textile. They're celebrating every milestone and every effort.


What are you waiting for? Jump in and begin.



Connect with Marni: Website: mmyersphotography.com Instagram: @mmyersphoto

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.

ONGOING - NO DEADLINE - FREE

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.

Please share with artist friends 50+

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