Feature: Matthew Jackson

Matthew Jackson

The Cave Buzz

Homepage: http://www.matthewdjackson.net
Feature By: Jonathan Earley
Photography By: Angela Jackson

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C-buz: How long have you been crafting your skill as a poet?
Matthew Jackson: I have been writing since I was a 14/15 year old boy. I never wrote as a little girl.

CB: How did you first get into poetry?
MJ: My first awareness of poetry outside of nursery rhymes was my Grandma Schrougham's cork board in her kitchen were she would clip out little poems & pin them up. Before I could read, she would read them to me. I was very curious what those poems were, & why were they so important for Grandma to save & display. Her value into words made a lasting impression on me. I think I've carried a little extra appreciation for poetic language since then.

CB: What do you do professionally?
MJ: I am a hair designer.

CB: Have you ever toured as a poet?
MJ: Yes. The most extensive was National Poetry Month of '09 (April), the kickoff to the Reservoir Dogwoods & that Indiana tour is one of my more successful poetry ventures to date. It was pretty fresh & different, something this state hadn't seen before. Every show had a great turnout & we received FANTASTIC press.

CB: Could you describe the Reservoir Dogwoods a bit - how you formed, who all is in it, what makes you unique?
MJ: The Dogwoods started from my good friend Jason Ammerman's delusion that poets are rock stars. So he called one day from Indianapolis, said he needed to know if the second most delusional writer he knows (me) shared that same sentiment, & would I get bat-shit crazy enough with him to form a spoken word/rock/troupe/band that would willing to tour from Indianapolis to Gnaw Bone (at least) to support it. And of course I said yes. Jason & I really wanted to work with Tony Brewer & Joe Kerschbaum (Bloomington), who are incredibly talented writers/performers, & they came aboard. That was the birth of the Reservoir Dogwoods. We came up with the name & mission, tried to brand ourselves as a band of hoosier poets (even though we still showcase individual work). With each performance, we really strive to bring a saucy blend of humor, drama, street smarts, literary acumen, homespun wisdom, worldly events, personal catharsis, and bawdy pokes at the human condition, these have became Dogwood show trademarks. I think the fact that we have accomplished what we have with poetry as our vehicle makes us pretty unique. You know that poetry is the bastard of all arts, right?

CB: What makes your style unique?
MJ: I don't know if my style is unique or not. I've been heavily influenced by loads of great writers, performers, rockers, honky tonk-ers & clergy.... I'm not ashamed or too egotistical to list my influences & give them praise for my inspiration. But I will say if there is one thing people have pointed out to me about my style, is probably my fearless (but not careless) approach to the craft. My attitude of putting myself out there & trying new concepts & venues is fairly tenacious. I really enjoy readings & performances, & I have no qualms in creating opportunities to perform poetry if no opportunities are presented.

CB: Do you carry a notepad around with you everywhere in case you're struck with an idea?
MJ: Yes, I try. Or I'll make notes on the ol' iphone.

CB: Who are your influences?
MJ: Waylon Jennings, The Doors, The Beats, Derrick Brown, Henry Rollins, Buddy Wakefield, Charles Bukowski, Mark Twain, & loads more.

CB: How would you describe the poetry scene in Columbus?
MJ: Columbus is home to loads of talent. It’s home to writers that are strong on paper. They are also willing to support & encourage one another, show up & support live events to hone their art & entertain some folks. I think the Columbus poetry scene is active, & the community is aware of it. I believe people have began to see spoken word in a more positive way & it’s not as painful as what they remember from high school. But the scene could use more support from young adults. For example, this last April I organized a spoken word/music event at the Crump called, The Throat Culture. It was for National Poetry Month & featured 3 time world poetry slam champ, Buddy Wakefield. This is a guy that the week prior to performing in Columbus, he was giving writing workshops at Brown University, an Ivy League school. I could hardly get any support from the local high schools to encourage students to attend.. A few teachers saw the value in the program but felt like their hands were tied due by cowardly administrators that wouldn't embrace the event. Obviously the fear of a parental complaint because their kid may hear a cuss word must be insurmountable for them. If they honestly believe that material presented at a cultural arts celebration that promoted theatre, music, language, social engagement, & community expression would be worse than what teenagers say in the hall’s of school, or hear in the music they listen too, or the movies they watch, then they are blowing unrealistic bubbles.. Probably not a good idea for young people to get inspired by the language arts that they are being “taught” in class, I guess? This kind of stuff is inconceivable to me. A missed opportunity for a lot of kids that could've benefitted.... But I’m not bitter, but I am gonna host a nude poetry reading.

CB: How has poetry changed your life?
MJ: It serves as a constant reminder to me that people need human touch & interaction.

“We are all experiencing our births, sicknesses, losses, sunsets, victories, smiles, & deaths at the same time. We are all connected. Poetry is resurrection for the living—it serves as a voice to remind us we are alive in this moment. ”

I have really enjoyed connecting with folks through poetry. From radio programs to maximum security federal penitentiaries, it’s been an enlightening journey that I’m grateful for.

CB: Are there any misconceptions people have about spoken word artists or poetry in general?
MJ: Maybe. But I do believe there can be some truth in stereotypes. I am pleased to report that all poets do wear black & we cry a lot. Plus, we’d rob a Hallmark store for a rhyme, anytime.

CB: Have you lived in Columbus your whole life?
MJ: Always in the Brown Co/Bartholomew Co. area.

CB: How has Columbus shaped you artistically?
MJ: If poetry is a painting of words, & architecture is frozen music, Columbus is a poem. It’s a city of excellence, inspiration, & full of great people who enjoy sharing & networking. There seems to be a progressive broadening of consciousness blooming here. I don’t think Columbus is quite as socially conservative as it used to be. I think when a new opportunity presents itself, Columbus seems more ready than ever to at least check it out & that breeds creativity for all arts. This keeps me excited. I think as long as there is momentum—that is the right direction. If there was NOTHING happening, that would be negative. But with several community open mics happening, a vinyl record store (DiHi Records) open, more performance spaces built (The Commons) & the Crump is still standing—as long as people have a voice & listen to others, all is well.

CB: Could you write a short poem about C-buz??
MJ: Sure.'

The Cave Buzz
by m. d. jackson

The prehistoric shaman painted on the cave wall
in cool darkness that swallowed red and yellow
ochre, and charcoal smudges
in shapes of bison, horse, deer,
& tracings of human hands
—all by the human hand.

Hands unseen in pitch—colors blinded by blackness
& shrouded tales left un-spun—

there were no masterpieces until men brought fire

& their fire lit up the arts.

CB: Any other thoughts?

MJ: I wanna punch poets who overuse the word unfurl. Semicolons stress me out.

I update my website, it’s open 24/7.

www.matthewdjackson.net

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