Abstract

This qualitative study is a preliminary inquiry into the ubiquitous box object, particularly its transitional nature from the functional to the symbolic. Drawing from traditional and contemporary art therapy, art history, and cultural literature, this inquiry considers boxes as containers, protectors, preservers and concealers of emotional content. Approached from a phenomenological-hermeneutical methodology, this study examines the subjective experiences of six community art makers who engaged in an arts based workshop combining creative engagement, reflective writing and group dialogue. A select number of post-workshop interviews were also conducted and contributed to the research findings. The emerging themes of instilled value, inside/outside, revealing/concealing, and being boxed in are discussed as extensions of the embodiment of self, the final culminating theme to emanate from the findings. Additionally, this study draws parallels between the tangible box object and its relation to the metaphorical notions of the therapeutic framework and the therapist as container.