From the start of my thirties, I’ve spent so much time questioning who I am and why I see myself in that way. I’ve been told throughout my entire life that there is a certain set of “perfections” I had to uphold to be an ideal woman. Many of those ideals clash with my own, and this fracture of thought is where this exploration began.

The Untended Garden, by experimental photographer Mara Magyarosi-Laytner, is a visual reflection of the coming of age of women viewed through the cyclical nature of life in a garden. Featuring essays by Dr. Anita Bates and Sarah Ayers, this book explores the expectations of women as informed by society and culture, the transformation that women reach as they break through during their coming of age, and the resolution of self that comes from the acceptance of flaws and the reality of aging.

At the heart of this work, The Untended Garden is about the universality of transforming identity and gaining the wisdom to see flaws as strengths.

All books are signed and numbered by the artist. All books include a selected 4x6” print from one of the three Acts - the three print options will be assigned at random and is a surprise!

Title: The Untended Garden
Artist, Author: Mara Magyarosi-Laytner
Contributors: Dr. Anita Bates, Sarah Ayers
Editors: Mara Magyarosi-Laytner, Lillian Ristau
Designer: Mara Magyarosi-Laytner
Press: Starling Common Press
Distributor: Mixam
ISBN: 979-8-9884932-0-4
Place of Publication: Detroit, MI, USA
Publication Date: Winter 2024
Printing Method: Digital
Number of Pages: 84
Number of Image Plates: 36
Binding Method: Smyth Sewn
Paper Stock: 100lb Uncoated
Typeface: Mara’s Handwriting, Josefin Sans, Minion Pro
Trim Size: 11x7” Landscape
Edition of 250