Jan Zwicky

Jan Zwicky (born 10 May, 1955), is a Canadian philosopher, poet, essayist and musician.

The Details interview with Jay Ruzesky (Winter 2008)

 * In the moment of creating I am aware neither of myself nor of others.


 * Most poetry involves rhythmically structured or patterned language, avoiding what might be called 'a singing line'.


 * Lyric poetry is a kind of poetry that's literally musical.

Griffin Poetry Prize Questionnaire

 * In my poetry, I am just as influenced by musicians or composers. As I am by people who create with words.
 * Griffin Prize Questionnaire June 2012


 * When I write I am attempting to do justice to something I have glimpsed about the world.
 * Griffin Prize Questionnaire June 2012

Other

 * A poem might begin for me from a rhythmical phrase without words but with an an emotional / tonal pitch or colour which will announce itself.Other times I' ll just become obsessed by something..hoping that eventually it will speak to me in English.
 * Interview with Anne Simpson - 'Words from Canadian poets in conversation', 2002


 * As a poet I compose aloud.
 * Other times I am pestered by a recurrent visual image and this image will resonate with some tone-rhythm pattern, only after that does language start to come.


 * 'Perfect Fluency' interview with Scott Rosenberg, University of Wyoming Campus, Oct. 2010.


 * Art is not merely a decorative enhancement of our lives but a sign of our desire to live in the world fully and honestly.


 * Governor Generals Award for Poetry, Nov. 1999.