The title of this creative thesis is “Homelessness” It recounts the physical and mental situation of the author at this point in her life. Her career choice dictated her social status—she was a substitute teacher in an oversaturated job market for teachers. The lack of steady employment made her feel like a vagabond, a woman without a home. How could she be sure of who she was, when her station in life was ephemeral? Home was an abstract concept; she was losing her identity.

The author’s muse was born of her internal struggles. Her helplessness, torment, and self-repression flitted across the darkness of her mind like shadows. To record the passing of shades was not only an exercise in creative imagery, but also a healing process through which she released her pent-up emotions. From the perspective of an indifferent observer, she achieved catharsis through artistic self-dissection, while exploring and expanding her well of creativity.

The structure of the thesis is as follows. In Chapter One, the background and motivation of the author’s creativity is discussed. Her life’s story and inspiration are integrated into her latest piece of work. In Chapter Two, the story opens with her position as a substitute teacher. Artists’ whose creative form or subjects have had an influence on her are also introduced. In Chapter Three, her identity crisis is linked to the vagabond nature of a substitute teacher, and presented via imagery. Chapter Four focuses on the intent and form of her creative work. Chapter Five closes the story on a hopeful note, summarizing her creative process and change of mental state, while retaining the possibility of greater creativity in the future.