In many spiritual traditions, elaborately decorated boxes such as coffers, reliquaries or portable shrines are often used to contain sacred objects in a small-enclosed space. Cajitas - which means small boxes (also called nichos) - continue to exemplify this deep-seated tradition as a devotional art form among Hispanic Catholics throughout Latin America and the U.S. southwest. The cajitas I create are inspired by this traditional art form in general and draw upon the richness of imagery and symbols that I grew up with as a Chicano - Mexicano. The iconography conveys the deep-seated religiosity inherent in Mexican culture, cultural (re)adaptations and fusion, and the profound impact
and importance of the everyday "mystical" experience. The presence of a shrine box in the home intentionally creates sacred space reserved for ritual and devotional purposes. It serves as an "altarcito" (small altar area) where one may contemplate the sacred verities of life and through prayer and meditation enter into a deeper communion with one's self. The concept of altar presupposes that candles are to be lit, incense burned, flowers offered and thanksgiving made before the shrine. The objective of a portable shrine is to allow its magic to transform the worshipper in such a way that one's heart becomes the true shrine which radiates divine love and spiritual joy to all with whom one comes into contact. Ordinary life thus becomes something extraordinary in which every moment is magical and every space becomes an opportunity for a transcendental encounter.