Andy Kissane – December 31 2017

Andy writes fiction and poetry and has published a book of short stories and the novel, The Swarm. His other poetry books include Every Night They Dance and Facing the Moon. Andy has worked as an editor, a producer of audio books and has taught creative writing in schools, universities and the community. His fourth collection of poetry, Radiance, was shortlisted for the 2015 Victorian Premier’s Prize for Poetry and he won the 2013 Fish International Poetry Prize. Andy has been the Coriole National Wine Poet, with six poems featuring on the back label of their cabernet shiraz. He has performed his work in Ireland, England, Vienna and many venues in Australia. Originally from Melbourne, Andy now lives in Sydney with his partner and daughter.

Out to Lunch
Puncher and Wattmann, XXX; ISBN 9781921450204

‘When we put Kissane’s almost telepathic empathy, his political subtlety and his humour together with his wide-ranging technical skills we have an Australian poet who is both a pleasure to read and a likely candidate for the best half-dozen or so of his generation.’ – Geoff Page, Canberra Times
‘A childlike perspective on life makes Out to Lunch a breath of fresh air in the solemnity of many other poetry collections that explore family dynamics and the elusive self. The poems are beautiful aural/oral creations… lovely to recite, perform and enjoy.’ – Judges’ Comments, Shortlist, NSW Premier’s Prize for Poetry

 

RadiancePuncher & Wattmann, 2014; ISBN 9781922186522
Radiance is a book firmly grounded in the reality of contemporary life, yet lit by empathy and humour. Kissane ranges from the self-immolation of a Buddhist monk to a sailing trip on Sydney harbour with Percy Shelley to the celebration of an enduring relationship with The Moon. Lyrical, moving and surprising, these poems are warm and shining creations.
‘It’s rare for such empathy to coexist with supple poetics of this calibre. Mark Doty says a great poem requires the poet to build, with the raw material of experience, a vessel strong enough to contain its emotion. Kissane is such an artisan: the poems in Radiance are beautiful, watertight vessels that are full to the brim. Drink deeply.’ – Judy Johnson