Owen Bullock

Owen Bullock is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing and Literary Studies at the University of Canberra's Arts & Communication school. He holds a PhD in Semiotics and Poetic Practice from the University of Canberra (2017), focusing on New Zealand poets. His research explores creative arts and wellbeing, haikai literature, poetry processes, and collaboration. Bullock has published extensively, including poetry collections like Pancakes for Neptune, haiku works, and a novella. He has received awards such as the 2015 Canberra Critics’ Circle Poetry Award and the 2018 Donald Horne Creative Fellowship. Currently, he leads the Creative Writing discipline and advises PhD students in creative writing, poetry, and New Zealand literature.

Education:

• PhD: Semiotics and Poetic Practice in Three New Zealand Poets (University of Canberra, 2017)

Research Interests:

• Semiotics in poetry
• Haiku and brevity aesthetics
• Poetry's role in wellbeing
• Contemporary Australian and New Zealand literature
• Collaborative creative processes

Projects & Engagement:

• Co-Investigator on Defence ARRTS projects (2021–2028), focusing on creative writing for resilience and teamwork
• Edited journals including Poetry New Zealand and Kokako
• Organized the 2023 Australasian Association of Writing Programs Conference

Awards & Recognition:

• 2020 UC Teaching Excellence Award
• 2018 Donald Horne Creative Fellowship
• 2015 Canberra Critics’ Circle Poetry Award

His work bridges academic research and creative practice, emphasizing poetry’s role in personal and collective healing through innovative forms and interdisciplinary approaches.