We recently connected with Seddik Jelouane and have shared our conversation below.
Seddik, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
I, for one, did not believe in writer’s block until it happened to me. My definition of this dilemma may differ from other creatives’, and so would my methods to overcome it. A walk around the streets of Casablanca has become a usual routine for me. I sometimes wander among strangers, stretching my thoughts in an attempt to have a verse or two jotted down by the end of the day. However, I do not burden myself with the pressure of going back home carrying a poem in my notebook. It is only a walk for fresh air after all.
Another method that has proven to be of much use to me is touring art galleries. They say “A photo is worth a thousand words”, and I say a thousand poems. There is something quite intriguing about visual arts, a story perhaps in need to break free, or rather a vague memory within that resurfaces into our minds at the meeting of certain colors. Every time I look at a piece of painting, or a photograph, something pulls me inside the work and begs me to write about it. And the most interesting part is that someone’s vision of the same artwork, or even the story the artist tries to tell through his or her piece, sometimes is far from what I myself compose in verses. It doesn’t always make sense, but at least it gets me writing.
The last technique I use to unblock my creativity is black-out poetry. Poets nowadays are more familiar with this tool, and it is as fun as it sounds. The process is to select a text in the form of prose, highlighting the phrases that stand out, and blacking out the rest. I personally choose something with poetic language, like excerpts from Virginia Woolf’s “The Mark on The Wall”. I read the text a few times, and go for the words that speak to me the most, then with a black pen I cross the unnecessary parts that will not make it to the poem. This style is very helpful, and you would be surprised at the infinite versions of poems you could form out of one text.
My own theory of writer’s block, and you don’t have to agree, is that it happens to us simply because we have so many stories trying to escape all at once that we get confused which one we let go of first. Therefore, we are not out of poems, we just don’t know what to write about now.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Poetry has been my Bold Voyage for several years now, a passion that has surpassed my other hobbies and led to contributions in books and various features. Today, I proudly grace a bookshelf with four published poetry collections, encompassing over 300 poems, and collaborations in collective projects with fellow artists. Alongside my literary pursuits, I have delved into the realm of visual arts, particularly photography, while conducting Poetry Collage workshops in diverse cultural spaces across the country. This endeavor was inspired by the realization that visual stimuli hold great appeal, especially in a society where readers are a minority, with a burgeoning generation inclined towards concise social media content. Thus, I conceived the concept of merging captivating imagery with eloquent verse to reignite an appreciation for literature.
Furthermore, I currently lead a poetry writing course at the American Arts Center in Casablanca, engaging with both novice and experienced poets to delve into the multifaceted world of poetry. Through discussions on poetic devices and writing styles, I aim to impart my years of experience in the field while providing a platform for participants to hone their craft and discover their unique voices. The best part about this is witnessing some participants compose their first poems.
In the meantime, I am actively involved in a project that aims to blend poetry with various art forms. This endeavor is intended to foster and promote self-expression among the current generation. Although the project is still in the initial stages of research and study, I am particularly concentrating on the dance form. I am hopeful that I will be able to bring this project to fruition this year.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Being an observer is incredibly beneficial, and this trait flourishes through honing the art of listening, not only among people but also in nature. By prioritizing listening over speaking, one becomes attuned to subtle nuances that often go unnoticed by many, providing rich material for writing. Writing, in my view, is a subtle form of dialogue. It doesn’t require shouting to be heard; instead, by articulating your emotions and thoughts on paper, you invite others to engage with your perspective. Personally, I find solace in silence and express myself more freely through writing rather than verbal communication. This inclination has significantly influenced my journey as a poet. Therefore, I encourage those interested in exploring the realm of writing, whether poetry or prose, to embrace solitude. The goal is not to distance oneself from others but to create space for introspection and self-expression.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I wouldn’t describe myself as successful; in fact, I’m not particularly fond of that term. Instead, I prefer to think of my accomplishments as achievements. There is one individual to whom I owe a great deal for what I have managed to achieve over the past few years – Mohammed El Wahabi. He is the visionary behind the Olive Writers association, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting emerging writers and providing a platform for artists of all kinds to develop their skills and showcase their art to the world.
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to be chosen for the Olive Writers’ creative writing program, a transformative seven-day residency where I found myself surrounded by like-minded writers and experienced mentors in the literary field. This opportunity came at a crucial time for me, reigniting my passion and significantly influencing my progress in poetry writing.
The following year, I was offered a position working alongside Mohammed. This allowed me to gain insight into his long-term vision of creating a community of creatives who celebrate art and culture. Through my role, I had the privilege of witnessing the growth of others who shared my passion for literature. The two editions of the program that followed not only helped me develop personally but also enabled me to see firsthand the positive impact Mohammed’s work was having on others.
Mohammed is a true unsung hero, quietly driving numerous impactful projects from behind the scenes without seeking recognition. I will forever be grateful to him for opening doors and changing lives, including mine.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seddik_jelouane/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seddikjelouane95/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/seddik_jelouane
Image Credits
Mohamed Morchidi, Kenza Beladel & Mohamed Soukri
