Biography
Bruce Kauffman is a poet, editor, writing workshop facilitator, and event organizer. He wrote his first poem in 1968, his first year at university, and then avidly continued for 5 years there - not as part of a curriculum but as a way of self-discovery. Then wrote only sporadically following graduation. He did, though, regain his passion for it in the early 90's after he actively began attending poetry and prose readings, workshops, and open mics.
He was published in a couple of anthologies and zines in the mid 90's. Then, completely disinterested in publishing, spent the next nine years simply reading and writing. Feeling ready in 2005, he submitted, and his first chapbook came out in 2006. Since that time, his work has appeared in numerous anthologies and journals. His published work includes 4 collections and 4 chapbooks of poetry - his latest, "an evening absence still waiting for moon".
As a freelance editor, among other things, he has organized and edited 9 anthologies since 2011 with various publishers, and is currently editor of the one of the poetry sections in the semi-annual online lit mag, "Devour: Art & Lit Canada".
In 2009 he began and continues to organize and host the 'and the journey continues' monthly open mic poetry reading series, and in 2010 began and continues to produce and host 'finding a voice', a weekly spoken word poetry radio show at CFRC 101.9fm - Kingston.
He organizes one-off reading events, but also organizes and hosts an annual event: the multiday "Poets @ Artfest" summer outdoor poetry festival since 2015.
He also developed an intuitive writing workshop in 2012 and continues to facilitate it in both group and one-on-one settings.
His more recent interest, after several art installation and performance collaborations, is currently looking for more opportunities to collaborate with visual, sound, and performance artists.