Ms Nicki Jackowska
Personal Statement: I have published 11 books. My latest, 4th novel, 'The Lost Gardens of Mariamne' has been enthusiastically read and received by a publisher, but they won't commit now. I am seeking interest elsewhere. this book has received a Lannan Foundation Grant and an ACE Grant to complete. It is considered rich in subject and language, erotic, funny and deeply exploratory. Delight in variety of scenario and language. themes of identity, survival, the unconscious, family relationships, sexualities, disease and cure (psychic & physical). Two settings: mid-Wales 1784 - 1811 (Mariamne), contemporary England (Hester), the two narratives inter-twined. I researched Mariamne in depth - botany, entomology, classification of plants, Linnaean Society, folk and 'formal' cure, art, architecture, birds - the book leads to Krakow and the Holocaust, but not directly. the visible vs. hidden life of the two women. 'Behold' is my latest collection from Enitharmon (see 2011 catalogue). The title poem 'vividly evokes the history of the Holocaust'. John Berger writes: 'Its grief has penetrated its syntax and when there's that kind of penetration - it changes the reader's breathing'. My books have cover-quotes from eg. Ted Hughes, Barry Unsworth, D.M.Thomas, Anne Stevenson, Adrian Mitchell & John Berger. 'Write for Life' is my creative writing manual & exploration of how language affects and changes us. I learn it is used by professional writers as well as students. Google me for reviews, comments, & partial history. Public work includes mounting the 1st St.Ives Festival as S.W. Representative for the New Activities Committee of ACE; 7 years work for Brighton Festival, 3 as Writer-in-Residence, 2 running my series Brighton Lines, and then Programme Consultant for 2 years. I have tutored creative writing for over 30 years in all manner of settings and for all levels of ability. 10 years for Arvon, work for Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, eg. collaborating on Paula Rego's Print Show (workshops & Gallery readings/talks). Devised presentation for Brighton Jewish Film Festival with Moris Farhi & Jane Haynes (SAP Jungian Analyst). I give public readings and talks, often shaped thematically or extending to dramatised presentations with music & musicians, visual arts, dance, movement. I use all this in my tutoring. A first career in theatre started with Honours Acting diploma (good public voice!), 4 years professional work & touring my own company 'Tower of Babel'. I'm returning to my theatrical roots in writing for theatre. Currently working with a director on a play evoking music and survival in concentration camps. Having had a full Jungian analysis (16 years), I have intimate knowledge of human nature, frailties, strengths, emotional projections, extreme situations. I'm preparing a book and a play about this analysis. this, and extensive life/work experience has given me a particularly acute awareness and insight. I have also broadcast on radio and television in relation to much of the above. I'm fascinated by extreme behaviour, causes of political movements, what makes a killer, abuses, collaboration, the law, toxic relationships, what freedom is. Depth psychology. I have two degrees & am a Patron of Brighton Dome & Festival. I welcome contact regarding any of the above including innovative collaboration & projects.
