Keith Bracey
Poet and writer
The Brummie Bard, Black Country poet & writer.
Hello, I’m Keith Bracey, a poet from Birmingham with a lifelong dedication to the arts.
My journey began at the University of Birmingham, where I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1978. This challenge became a source of inspiration for my poetry and creative expressions.
I authored "From Bearwood, and beyond," a poetry collection that reflects my life experiences and Birmingham roots. Proceeds from my book support Bipolar UK, aiding others with similar challenges.
As a member of the Arts and Culture Network, my cultural interests are diverse. My fantasy cultural year with Mark involves exploring the Spanish Civil War heritage, experiencing heavy metal music, and enjoying rugby matches. I cherish the Barber Institute in Birmingham and admire Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper."
J.R.R. Tolkien’s "The Hobbit" profoundly influenced me, especially since my inspiring teacher, Jean Morris Jones, read it aloud to me at age seven. I see Tolkien's work as an allegory of the First World War, with connections to Birmingham’s landscapes.
My cultural explorations extend beyond literature. I appreciate music from Dream Theater to Black Sabbath. I envision a fantasy trip to San Sebastian, Spain, to study placemaking poetry and Picasso’s art.
I actively contribute to the community through the Arts and Culture Network, interviews, and promoting cultural conversations on YouTube and LinkedIn. I dream of inviting historical figures like Shakespeare, James Watt, and Leonardo da Vinci to a lunch in Bilbao, reflecting my curiosity and admiration for great minds.
My life celebrates the power of art and culture in shaping personal and communal identities, and I look forward to new adventures and creative endeavors.
