A Portrait of the Poet - John Siddique
It has been said of John Siddique that he is the ideal poet for twenty-first century Britain. He is one of the finest post-racial writers, straddling the contemporary from an Anglo, Irish, and Indian heritage - his writing is direct and human, reflecting the world and people of today. His work has at times been compared to that of Philip Larkin and ee cummings, yet his voice is uniquely his own. His passion for sharing literature sees him drawing on the whole tradition of poetry and often creating and working in a whole range of places where you would not expect to find art. He has worked in prisons, schools, and hospitals, and is involved in promoting regeneration and renaissance through the creation of public art. He was recently commissioned to create a poem for the seaside town of Blackpool. His current commission is from Lancaster University to create a series of portraiture poems exploring the immigrant experience in Manchester. John is The British Council's Los Angeles Writer in Residence 2009.
John has published four collections of poetry including one for children, he has written a short play for Radio 3's 'Freethinking' Festival, and co-authored a collection of short stories. His new book 'RECITAL - An Almanac' is published by SALT. He is well known for his captivating readings, and his ability to communicate with all types of audiences opening up the world of poetry and language. He often works with the Arvon Foundation, British Council, The Poetry Society, and The Poetry School and has been a visiting lecturer at Vienna and Manchester Metropolitan Universities.
John Siddique brims with verve, depth and pathos
The Big Issue
John Siddique's writing is playful and poignant. It explores the complexities of a fragmented world - of sex, family, loss and dream-life - with such clear-eyed, unsentimental candour that I go back to certain poems time and again for another immersion. He's not afraid of writing about love, its pain and rewards, its sudden, shocking forces and darkly funny epiphanies - and his poems demonstrate a generosity and humanity so often lacking in more brittle, defensive writers.
Catherine Smith (Next Generation Poet)
His knowledge and love of poetry shines through.
Rachel Feldberg - Ilkley Literature Festival
John Siddique is a powerful, arresting and provocative new poetic voice, on the page, and off it.
He writes with a rare combination of directness, ease, and authority and transports his audience through a gallery of moods and registers in just as wide a range of forms. His work is visceral, sensuous, searing, playful, and deeply moving.
Gavin Wallace - Head of Literature - Scottish Arts Council
John Siddique is one of Britain's most interesting and original poets. He probes the contradictory jumble of contemporary Britain revealing the daily heroism and bravery of the urban sprawl that he clearly knows well.
Professor Elizabeth Rosa Horan - Arizona State University
Article about John on Poetry International website
Info on Commissions, Residencies and Festival Readings
Interview by Karen Hooper on John's Commission with The Rainer Charity