Abstract

This dissertation has involved exploration of the forest as image and symbol of transformation, insight, and creative inspiration through multi-disciplinary inquiry and work in the creative arts. Using literature from the fields of depth psychology, mythological studies, and the philosophy of imagination as a foundation, I have taken a literal and figurative journey into the forest. In this dissertation, I have used a self-generated method that includes an imaginal process, stages of critical and self reflection, and image amplification, interwoven with creative work as spiritual practice. I have depicted images and experiences from the stages of the forest journey , through journaling, narrative writing, painting, and poetry. A shared development of images, a synergy, took place, with themes and images interweaving through painting and the various forms of writing, transforming with each move. This dissertation is an attempt to use a combination of creative work, an imaginal process, academic sources, and an actual journey-focused on a single image-as a catalyst for deeper understanding of the Self and personal transformation