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Matakana artist and writer Hugh Major’s book Out of the Mouths of Fishes may remain unpublished, but it is still in the running to win a $10,000 prize.
Hugh’s book is a finalist in this year’s Ashton Wylie Mind Body Spirit Literary Awards, which deals with works devoted to mysticism, consciousness, unconditional love and death.
Hugh says his book was a way of exploring the way the sea and its creatures can explain things in the human domain – in particular, big philosophical questions to do with identity, perception and intelligence.
One of the things that triggered his interest was a stroll along the foreshore at Goat Island and observing jellyfish washed up on the beach.
He was intrigued by the fact that the fish looked like pieces of glass, which he could see right through and were seemingly empty of content, bar a thin purple skirt of neural fibres.
Yet jellyfish are conscious creatures with a rich life that involves, reproduction, mating, searching for food and being wary of predators.
“I found it fascinating. That’s what drew me in,” Hugh says.
Ashton Wylie judges have already given the book high praise.
“The text shimmers with a reverence for the mysterious life that seethes beneath the surface and makes frequent reference to how our own lives and challenges have similarities to the complexities of underwater existence,” they wrote.
“The author asks, via his vivid prose, that we share his awe of nature and the myriad connections and communications between all creatures on this planet.”
The literary awards are organised by the Ashton Wylie Charitable Trust.
The trust was set up following the death of Auckland businessman and philanthropist Ashton Wylie in 1999, with the intent of promoting more loving human relationships.
Award winners will be announced next month.
