I have always loved nature and enjoyed taking pictures, but I did not consider photography a serious pursuit until about eight years ago when I began experimenting with my photos on the computer. Starting with one image that particularly intrigued me, a colorful photo of an emerging maple leaf, I began creating mandalas and montages by digitally manipulating my photos. I construct each image step-by-step, isolating elements from the background, multiplying them, and experimenting with size, transparency, color intensity, and design, until I am pleased with the result. The process is one of discovery as much as creation; I never know just what colors, textures, and patterns will emerge. Creating nature mandalas and photo montages has become a natural extension of my lifelong interests in meditation, spirituality, creativity, and cosmology. I enjoy sharing my mandalas with others through my Etsy shop as well as at local craft fairs and art shows. My daughter, Ru, often accompanies me (or I accompany her) at shows and on our outdoor photography rambles. She is a fine nature photographer and skilled potter with her own Etsy shop, Ru Allen Clay & Camera. Our home state of Maine provides many wonderful subjects for our photos.