Last year, Eelen's poetry debut was awarded the prestigious Maatschappij der Nederlandse Letterkunde Dutch Literary Association prize , and a selection of Eelen's poems is currently being translated into Polish by Professor Jerzy Koch. In addition to poetry, the year-old Belgian has also an avid interest in film and photography, although she is a social worker by profession.
On Tuesday, Sara Eelen joined the second-year master's students at a workshop, during which the author helped refine the translations of selected poems that the students translated as part of their Literary Translation class. The following day in the department, Sara had the opportunity to read her poems to the students at an open meeting and talked in detail about her activist work as a Climate Poet, as well as her creative process. Students had the opportunity to ask the author their own questions and get to know her better.
First, the artist read her poems in the original and then the translator presented their Polish translations, although this order was sometimes changed, which was an interesting experience for that part of the audience who did not know Dutch. Sara Eelen responded extensively to the questions put to her. Referring to works with a more social tone, she talked about combining poetry with activism and about her environmental work and involvement in society.
Master's students of the Dutch Studies also had the opportunity to present their own translations of poems of a more personal nature to the audience. The poet was asked about the autobiographical dimension of her poetry. She admitted that she tries to create universal pieces so that her readers can find themselves in the anecdotal elements and the way they are captured.
She draws inspiration from simple, everyday images and poetry, just like photography and film impressions she practises, is a way for her to perceive the world. The award she received and how it influenced her career and her approach to creating was also mentioned. Because of the prestigious award, the poet has gained notoriety both in Belgium and in the Netherlands, and there have been quite a few reviews and interviews in the media.
