The phrase "the black dog in dark room" serves as a metaphor for depression, with psychiatrists using it to describe that the existence of depression is invisible. Within this thesis, the term "the black dog in dark room" takes on a broader meaning, functioning as a commentary on the characteristics of the author’s creative process and life experiences, with an expanded definition. In this context, "the black dog in dark room" transcends a mere depiction of mental illness and instead refers to a state of existence that is obscure, as the author define it in this research of creation as an internal unawareness of pain or unconscious habits in the body. The thesis discusses the author’s gradual discovery of the true nature of the "black dog in dark room" through practice of creation, research and writing, as well as physical and mental exercises. At the level of research, the author first analyzes the phenomena that appear externally, and then explore the inner meaning from the phenomena.
The external phenomenon refers to the superficial traces. In this essay, it refers to the superficial layer of the body, the skin. By observing the traces on the skin, we observe the "apparition" of the black dog. Subsequently, the thesis analyzes the condition of these traces on the skin and reconstruct the cognitive process through which the skin forms in life experiences. This exploration aims to uncover the inner significance and symbolic nature of these traces within an individual's life experience, thereby setting in motion an inner exploration. The inner exploration begins with the discussion of injury and pain, and by analyzing the traumatic experiences of life, we discover the hidden driving force behind the creation. Furthermore, we discuss the premises and background that make up all of the above, which is the body as well as the body-induced perceptual processes. The body discussed here refers to the "first-person body," in which the inseparable oneness of body and psyche is explored through the body's inner self-awareness, and how the phenomena of the body reflect the inner state and how the process of perception inspires creation. Finally, we discuss the spiritual meaning found in the traces, which is the ultimate concern of personal creation -through the reflection on "existence", we perceive the breath of "having existed" through the state of "absence" perceived in the traces, discuss how absence emphasizes the indelibility of existence, and point out that the most superficial phenomena can refer to the deepest meaning.
The objective of this research of creation is to establish a cohesive connection between the act of creation and life itself by weaving together personal life experiences and creative contexts. By doing so, it aims to highlight the central theme of creation and the profound care it holds for life. The research emphasizes the inseparable bond between creation and life, asserting that the artist's work serves as an embodiment of their own life.