Who is Marie Cilu

I'm Joy, also known as Marie Cilu, an artist and storyteller based in St. Louis.

After accidentally retiring from a 20+ year career in technology, art is now my playground.

Every week I head out to practice, usually with no real plan, and let the pictures show up how they want.

I photograph what most people walk past: dew inside the fold of a leaf, a bee's wings catching the light just right, a duck working a glamour pose (you can see through its nostril!).

I also write stories, and the two feed each other. I'll go hunting for iridescent things because a story needs them and come home with a shimmering spider web instead.

I'm curious, easily delighted, and not above sitting on the edge of a fountain poking the water to see what happens.

I wander, I linger, I play, and I wait, sometimes patiently, sometimes in cramped awkward poses, until the photo comes together.

When it works, I hope the picture makes you stop for a second and feel a little flicker of wonder. That's the whole intent.

My fine art photography is available as prints and canvas, from small 4x6 samples to Limited Edition pieces, so you can bring one of these quiet moments home. Have a look around the shop, and if something catches your eye or you just want to say hello, I'd love to hear from you.