Loose Ends and Invisible Threads: An exploration of self art therapy through a/r/tography & Ecofeminism

This thesis explores how an art therapy process, informed by a/r/tographical inquiry and ecofeminist theory, deepens self-understanding and fosters a sense of interconnectedness for the researcher. Through a personal arts-based inquiry incorporating collage, reflective writing, and poetry, the study explores transformation as an ongoing process rather than a fixed outcome. Eco-art therapy integrates nature as an active participant in healing, exploring the relationship between self, environment, and collective well-being. Ecofeminism challenges hierarchical structures, offering a framework for reimagining relationships through reciprocity and care. A/r/tography, as a living inquiry, allows meaning to emerge organically, resisting rigid analysis in favor of fluid exploration. This research unfolded through the student researcher’s use of collage, poetry, and prose, capturing moments of change, resistance, and integration. The process revealed how meaning arises through cycles of creation and reflection, reinforcing that identity is not static but continually shaped by experience, connection, and change. By embracing ambiguity, honoring the rhythms of nature, and allowing the possibility for symbols to shift in meaning, this work invites a deeper engagement with art as a space for unique personal and collective growth.