Mark Scott Abeln

Mark was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA in 1962, son of Harry and Eliane, and brother to Harry Jr. He had a happy upbringing in the suburban community of Affton, Missouri. He learned to read at an early age and his childhood was enriched by his European relatives. He attended Caltech, earning a degree in Physics. Mark had a career in engineering prior to doing writing and photography.

Mark enjoyed photography from youth, had his own darkroom, and later studied digital imaging. Besides having a background in photographic technology, he practices classical art techniques.

A convert to Catholicism, Mark's main inspiration is the Church's artistic heritage. He is presently single, has cats, and is the owner of the blog "Rome of the West".