Redmond Barry Fellow 2005

Olivier Burckhardt
Pencilled lines on poetry

As an independent essayist and poet without formal academic background, the opportunity to undertake research and work on "Pencilled Lines on Poetry: Essays on East-West Poetics" was exhilarating. The Redmond Barry Fellowship enabled me to carry out the extensive preliminary research required for the overall plan of the book-length project. The time, workspace, extensive access to both libraries and research facilities of The University of Melbourne and The State Library of Victoria, and the opportunity to interact with the academic community and general public, enabled me to undertake an intensive and challenging work period. Though a series of public seminars/talks at both institutions I was able to present various facets of the project as a work-in-progress, the resulting interaction and feedback that this generated enabled me to fine-tune and hone both specific and general aspects of the project which revolves around a cross-cultural definition of the scope or essential qualities of poetry.

In terms of professional development, the Fellowship enabled me to more confidently identify and address specific audiences, and establish links with a professional network that is ongoing.