*The Encoded Self* was created for a *What’s in the Box?* exhibit

Years ago, I created a painting for a show at a gallery. The theme for the show was: What’s in the Box? That theme became an wonderfully fun and memorable focus for a creative project. First, I painted the image of a box, attached a handle so viewers could open up the flap. Inside I had placed a cassette tape box with the unraveled tape showing up both inside and outside the cassette box. A message was written within that inner box.

In reflecting upon my What’s in the Box? experience, I decided to generate a list of questions to share, each beginning with that inquisitive word: “What’s… “. Whether you paint, draw, write, dance, or compose music, let one or more of these inspire you in your chosen art form. Have fun with it.