I’m Osian Rhys Jones and I’m a poet from Cardiff. In the following passage I’ll use the grating “I” a lot. Bear with me, me, me…
My poetry
I write almost exclusively in my mother tongue, which is Welsh. With a French partner, I do have some personal poems written in English, but only as I have not found la muse Française yet.
I’d like to think I’m quite a versatile poet. If I wrote in the same tone, on the same meters, about the same subjects all the time it would be quite tedious for me, as well as for you – the audience. So my muse keeps shape-shifting, for everyone’s sake.
I blog and share my poems often on this website and on social media. I also accept commissions.
Y Glêr
I’m member of the team of poets Y Glêr on BBC Radio Cymru’s Talwrn y Beirdd production; we were the series champions in 2012 (hooray!). In that same year, Y Glêr were the first group to take on Literature Wales’ Her 100 Cerdd (‘100 Poem Challenge’) – where we attempted to compose a hundred poems between us in 24 hours (we managed, by the way!).
Bragdy’r Beirdd
In 2011 I was one of the poets who established the Bragdy’r Beirdd poetry nights along with Catrin Dafydd and Rhys Iorwerth. These popular events are still held regularly around Cardiff. As well as promoting events, I perform my work in various literature events all over Wales. In 2012/13 I was one of four poets that toured the poetry and music show Cnoi Draenogod.
Osian Rhys Jones’ Awards
I was lucky enough to be awarded the Chair, the highest honour for a Welsh bard, at the 2017 National Eisteddfod at Ynys Môn. This Chair happens to be designed and crafted by a talented carpenter, and a friend of mine, Rhodri Owen.
I won the D. Gwyn Evans Memorial Trophy (Y Gymdeithas Gerdd Dafod) twice and received the Cledwyn Memorial Trophy for the best free-meter poem in the 2011 series of the BBC’S Talwrn y Beirdd.
Digital Content
In the professional realm (I’m only a part-time poet of course) I’m also a digital producer and editor. I share my thoughts and ramblings about those things way over here.
Twitter: @osianrhysjones
Facebook: @OsianRhysJones