My Story
I’m an artist, herbalist, and gardener with a deep love for the beauty and wisdom of plants. I live in Central Vermont and have spent over 25 years working in the nonprofit sector, focusing on community health, food security, and strengthening local food systems. My work is rooted in a passion for creating positive change.
In my free time, I explore Vermont’s forests, fields, and gardens, gathering flowers, leaves, seeds, stems, and stones to create nature mandalas: ephemeral works of art and visual meditations.
The word mandala comes from Sanskrit and means “circle.” Traditionally used as a spiritual tool for focus and meditation, mandalas have become, for me, a way to slow down and truly see the exquisite details and symmetry of plants as they change with the seasons.
Each mandala is composed of the natural elements I find, carefully arranged into circular patterns that highlight their color, texture, and form. These pieces often last only a few hours. I photograph each one and release it with a single word - an intention, a prayer, or a hope, before letting the materials return to the earth.
It brings me great joy to hear that this practice inspires others to notice the beauty around them more deeply, and perhaps to create mandalas of their own.
Thank you for your interest in my work.
Warmly,
Michelle Wallace
