About
What’s Black Dog website about?
The Black Dog Project website is a community web space I created to share art, stories and poetry to connect on a personal level with those going through tough times – whether it be because of personal, social and/or mental health struggles (particularly young people). The inspiration for the Project came from the young people I’ve met over the past eight years working as a volunteer with Youth Focus (supporting young people at risk of depression, suicide and self harm). One of the hardest things for them was to be able to ‘talk about stuff’, put words to feelings and what was happening. Art, image, writing and music provided a means of communication, a way of expressing and exploring who they were – who they wanted to become. So the idea of the Black Dog website was to provide a place with an ever-growing pool of all these things- a place everyone was welcome to call into, be part of. Those struggling. Those close wanting to understand better what that struggle’s like. And those who share an interest in the social, cultural and personal issues that affect us all – particularly the next generation. Since it came to life in March 2006, the Dog’s grown to befriend people of all ages … develop a life, a story and a community all of it’s own. There’s an Army of Ink you can collect and share … over 350 articles on it’s Art and Stories webpage … and some books and paper things. You can help Black Dog grow and meet others by telling as many people as you can about it and by popping in regularly for a dose of all things Black Dog and passing what you find on to others. J.B. (Janine Browne), Creator and Caretaker of Black Dog.
“Art (including literature and music) is really the human mind’s most immediate, intimate and intuitive way of thinking about human experience.” Christopher Allen
The website is archived by the National Library under the category of ‘an electronic publication of significant cultural value’, ensuring our stories, our voices, are forever seen and heard. The Project’s pup created by my friend in life and art, Harley Manifold
“Take these – I don’t need them anymore.’ Art thanks Stormie Mills
It’s difference?
It’s different because it’s personal. I battle many ‘conditions of the mind’ (anxiety, depression etc) and I’ve had some tough life experiences. Writing and drawing is a constant lifeline. Much of my art and writing is centred around the struggle to establish a sense of identity and self – creating a solid sense of place despite adversity, difference, conditions of the mind and the influence of toxic cultural trends. I simply share freely those creative processes, and the art and stories of those I meet along the way. It’s also small and home made and grown through true community spirit … those who contribute art and stories… and those who pass them on and introduce the Dog to friends …which adds another layer of warmth to the Dog’s coat.
Where did the idea come from?
Initially the idea was to publish a book but the internet seemed a more effective and immediate way to go. Harley Manifold (Melbourne Artist) created the Dog. I had a guy set up the website template, then with a ‘how to’ book on website coding in hand, Black Dog went live in March 2006. It has since been fully renovated by two kind folk, Mike, from Shaking Paper and Che, from Beyond the Pixels – coming full circle to the publishing of the book, In My Room and the ’21 Friends Postcard Collection’ and new publications emerging. You’ll find these on the Publications page.
Before Black Dog?
I worked in the fitness industry. Through this I was really aware of the struggles people were having in relation to weight, fitness and food (as I do myself), and was confronted by the devastating affects of eating disorders. So in 2005 I quit the industry and closed the business to create Black Dog.
How did the project get its name?
The name, ‘Black dog’ was used because… dogs have a reputation of being ‘man’s best friend’ – and I hope The Black Dog Project becomes a friend to people… former Prime Minister of England, Winston Churchill described his depression as, the ‘Black Dog’… the black dog of dark moods has been present in my life since I was in my early teens. I accept it as my life-long companion, as both a gift and a curse – and put those gifts to good use helping others …. the ‘black dog story’ (in the book) offers a bit of insight into how the mind works. Project? That’s because it’s on the move, changing, evolving, progressing, and like the movie ‘Blair Witch Project’, it’s about venturing into the woods, exploring, discovering – and unlike the movie, finding our way out again.
Black Dog’s home base
I run the Project from home (Perth, Western Australia) and get out and about in the community talking to people, working with other groups and organisations and presenting at conferences.
If you can help in any way I’d love to hear from you – contact me here or pass on the website link to friends.
Yours faithfully ( like the dog) – J.B. ( Janine Browne)
Max…our new Black Dog (2012)…
And our old Black (and white) Dog ….
Passed away in 2012 – RIP Chelsea.