Here Poser 7 and Mandelbulb. The concept is done mapping the Elf face you see in the foreground (done with Poser) inside Mandelbulb and working on the Offsets Y-X and Rotation and Mode (its.trap)...Do You want to try it ? Ok here are params:
I think You should try "mapping" inside Mandelbulb...With your fantastic backgrounds (that make me envy not having Mac) could do something exceptional! THX!