Castlemaine poet Andy Jackson, recently awarded both the ALS Gold Medal and the Prime Minister’s Literary Award (Poetry) for his latest book, Human Looking, will read at this Friday’s Poetry on Agitation Hill.
This is a rare chance to enjoy the work of one of Australia’s finest poets.
Jackson’s Human Looking offers a ground-breaking insight into the experience of disability, from a distinguished poet who has lived with Marfan Syndrome, including severe spinal curvature, and whose poems give voice to those who are often treated as ‘other’ or alien.
The local poet said most of the poetry in the book was created while he was completing his PhD.
“I launched the book online at the end of 2021 and in July 2022 was delighted to pick up the ALS Gold Medal, which doesn’t carry any prize money but certainly plenty of kudos,” Jackson said.
“The book was also shortlisted in the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards in 2022 and then I capped of the year with the Prime Minister’s Literacy Prize, which was just incredible.
“The response has been really heartwarming, people have been stopping me in the street to congratulate me,” he said.
Jackson said he discovered a passion for poetry in his mid-20s attending poetry readings and events in Melbourne sharing and developing his work before undertaking further study to hone his craft.
The local poet said it was wonderful to receive recognition for his work among such esteemed company.
“It’s really wonderful to finally have the opportunity to get out and share my work again (after COVID) through readings locally and further afield. I am really looking forward to Friday’s event and to also taking part in the upcoming Newcastle Writers Festival with an online presentation,” he said.
Jackson said he felt fortunate to win the latest prize as it would give him some time to “breath” and focus on his art.
“I also do a lot of teaching and mentoring through RMIT and Writers Victoria and one-on-one mentoring.
“I’m really passionate about encouraging young and newer poets to develop their voice,” he said.
Jackson said he was also delighted to see a positive push for a ‘Poet Laureate’ to be established in Australia.
“It’s great to see this movement gaining momentum with new literary funding body, Writers Australia to undertake the process. I would really like to see this take a community focus, rather than a more formal one,” he said.
At Friday evening’s event, Jackson will read for 20 minutes, followed by a Q&A involving the audience and conclude with an encore. The event will begin at 6pm sharp and conclude by 7pm.
Poetry on Agitation Hill takes place in the chapel of the Castlemaine Uniting Church, off Lyttleton Street, on the first Friday of every month and features poets from Melbourne, regional Victoria, interstate and overseas.
Patrons can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, courtesy of Boom Town Wine. There is a $5 donation, which pays the poet.
