The Confluence Issue 24

spring 13

CONFLUENCE

April 22nd 2013

An End of a Season

The End of Semester Issue

Garett Svensen, Production Editor I’m pretty much finished my undergraduate degree now, and speculating about the future. Join me will you?

What lies in front of a person postgraduation? Whether it be from a two-year institiute like CNC (I also have an associate’s degree from CNC) or a four-year program like UNBC, a terrible anxiety tends to seize you after you step out of the last exam and receive your final marks. A lucky or talented few will have placement right out of school, but for the majority of us, the world is a huge, frightening place filled with uncertainity and opportunity. And if you have never found opportunity to be terrifying, you’ve never had a real opportunity.

Page 1

The Confluence - News

It’s easy to get stressed out about the many, many things that crop up as you finish this part of your life. The main thing that has kept me sane in this tumultuous time has been to focus on the immediate. What is the next step on the road? You get places just by taking small steps. Big goals and hundreds of options can be crippling, but deciding what’s for breakfast?

That’s how the big stuff gets done.

Andy Johnson, Editor-in-Chief

Garett Svensen, Production Editor

Taren Johnson, Web Manager

April 22nd 2013

April 2013 Rock The Vote Block Party CNC Community Clean up 12pm @ Residence

Executive Meeting 3pm

Earth Day

Last Day of Classes

Executive Meeting 3pm

International Student Party

Exams End

Orientation 12-5pm The Confluence is produced biweekly at the CNCSU office on CNC’s Prince George campus by Garett Svensen and Andy Johnson.

Submissions, inqueries and requests can be made to news.cncsu.ca, in person at the CNCSU office room 1-303, or mailed to “The Confluence c/o CNCSU 3330-22nd Ave. Prince George, BC. V2N 1P8”

Weather

ECE End of Semester Party The Confluence - News

Student Award Ceremony

Environment Canada 7-Day Weather Forecast: For Prince George, BC. 22-28 April 2013 Monday, April 22: 9°C, Sunny.

Tuesday, April 23: 9°C, 1°C, Mixed.

Wednesday, April 24: 13°C, -4°C, Sun and Cloud.

Thursday, April 25: 11°C, 5°C, Showers.

Page 2

Friday, April 26: 11°C, 3°C, Showers.

All submissions are welcome, the authors of edited works used in the Saturday, April 27: 9°C, 0°C, Snow and Showers. confluence receive a $20 cheque upon publication. Advertisement rates are Sunday, April 28: 10°C, -2°C, Sun and Cloud. availiable upon request.

April 22nd 2013

Michael Turner Introduction Andy Johnson, Editor-in-Chief “Sixteen years old. My first porno.

Pornos, really. There were three: The Blue Balloon, something starring Clint Eastwood, and another one whose name I can never remember.

All cut together. And continuous.

From noon to midnight. Seven days a week.

“So: first porno was pornos.

About fifteen minutes’ worth. The cops threw me out before I knew what I was watching. But which one out of three? Does it matter? You’d think it wouldn’t. But it does, in a way. I think. This is what I know I saw” (The Pornographer’s Poem, 1999).

The Confluence - Culture

Michael Turner is the author of Company Town, Kingsway, Hard Core Logo, American Whiskey Bar, The Pornographer’s Poem and 8x10.

As Carrie O’Grady points out in her article I Was a Teenage Porn King:

Michael Turner and Ciara Shuttleworth

provide insight for his readers in an experimental, yet still very human level.

As a teenager, Michael spent his summers working in a salmon cannery on BC’s northwest coast, and then went on to graduate from the University of Victoria with a degree in Anthropology. After his degree, Michael went on to co-found the group The Hard Rock Miners. Currently Michael is working on a manuscript which is titled 9x11.

The Canadian Michael Turner has a knack for titles. Just as children’s This past summer in Rolla, BC at the Sweetwater 905 Festival, I had the books with the word “chocolate” in the title sell unusually well, Turner’s pleasure of being introduced by Michael before my reading (which due to my inexperience was a bit short), and have been honored to be introducing him three novels seduce you with their tonight. Please welcome Michael Turner. promise of grown-up delights: alcohol, debauchery, sex.

I had the pleasure of meeting Michael almost four years ago at Books and Company, after his reading from his 2010 release of 8x10. As is the case with most pleasurable occurrences, our meeting was accidental. I was selling my first chapbook on consignment and had brought a couple of my friends into Books and Company to support my writing endeavour.

Upon meeting Michael, one would undoubtedly be impressed. After all, he is a nationally acclaimed author who is suave and a gentleman.

Page 3

Michael’s work (whether in fiction or poetry) manages to dissect the concepts of societal norms and

Red Shuttleworth, Layne Ongman, Matt Partyka, Tessa Gregory and Barry McKinnon

At the 8th Annual Barry McKinnon Chapbook Awards and Prince George “It’s unfortunate that the Chapbook Fair, held April 11 in the downstairs lecture theatre at the College consequences of the (poetry) war of New Caledonia, Mateusz Partyka won the top award of $350 for his or disagreement is that people are chapbook titled “Desire/Exile.” not attending events in the name of people who have lived here a long Runners-up in the competition were Layne Ongman, whose entry time,” Turner said. was entitled “Carpe Diem,” and Tessa Gregory, who had submitted her chapbook “Lines of Change.” They received a collection of chapbooks by Introducing John Harris, Pearce Barry McKinnon and other northern B.C. Poets for their personal library praised Harris’s mastery of irony. collections.

“We should note how other writers fear Harris, but writers have arrived During opening remarks for the awards ceremony, Graham Pearce, CNC when Harris reviews them,” Pearce creative writing instructor, emphasized freedom of expression and literary said. “He uses humour and realism.” imagination. “Poetry is the last place where we can say what we mean,” he told the audience.

During his remarks, Harris said, “Sharing your writing puts your ego Katherine (Penny) Douglas read her poem, “Human Condition.” on the line.”

“Poetry helps us to come to terms with our life,” she said.

“My particular hero is Joseph Conrad,” he continued.

Guest poet Ciara Shuttleworth, who writes for Los Angeles print media, said, “Barry McKinnon should be recognized internationally.” She read Harris made available free copies some of her poems, including “Harnessing Electricity,” of mid-1970s issues of the literary magazine he edited in Prince George, “Long Distance,” “Baptized” and “Devotions.”

“Repository.” Covers of some issues McKinnon read his poem, “in Arizona,” with its powerful descriptions featured photos of nudes. “Political of the landscape of the American desert Southwest and its references to its correctness was not a problem in the cultural values and dangers that might follow from “. . . whatever one could ‘70s,” he said. “But religious groups say, taken the wrong way . . . .” and newspaper editors came at us.”

Guest poet Paul “Red” Shuttleworth of Moses Lake, Wash., who taught at “Keep people who love you away CNC during the mid-1970s, said, “This is a homecoming for me. I’ve led the from looking over your shoulder most fortunate of lives. . . . Barry is in a sense my older brother, and Irving as you write,” Red Shuttleworth Layton my (literary) uncle.” He read from his work, including poems like said during his speech, prior to “Sunrise Ribbon,” “Dry Wells,” and “A Postcard to Jerry L. Crawford.” announcing the short list and winner.

“Self-censorship will kill you.

“If you have a message, you shouldn’t write poetry,” Shuttleworth said.

“Write an essay.”

“Avoid self-censorship,” Shuttleworth continued. “Don’t step After the ceremony, participating poets exchanged or sold chapbooks, and on the throat of your own song.”

Shuttleworth gave some of his chapbooks, including “Weathered Corral Boards,” to interested members of the audience.

At the end of the evening, Andy Johnson read the final two pages At the 4th Annual John Harris Short Fiction Award event held April 12 at of “Nothing in Between” about The Twisted Cork in downtown Prince George, A. Warren (Andy) Johnson belligerent people who try to enforce was declared the winner of the $1,000 award for his chapbook, “Nothing in observance of their political views Between.” It deals with, among other things, the decreasing quality of life on writers endeavouring to remain and reduced opportunities for young people in Northern British Columbia philosophically independent. and the rise of intolerance and political correctness in some academic literary groups in this region.

April 22nd 2013

Paul Strickland, Contributor

The Confluence - Culture

Awards Presented at Key Northern BC Liteary Events

Special guest speaker Michael Turner of Vancouver, B.C., referred to “trouble currently in the literary community.

Page 4

Those who made the short list in the competition were Adrienne Fitzpatrick (for “Kemess Lake”), Tanya Clary (“The White Girl on Reserve”), and B. Heather Mantler (“Rose”).

April 22nd 2013

NMCD Showcase Andy Johnson, Editor-in-Chief The Design Show on Wednesday, 17 April 2013 was a success for both the students and the instructors of the New Media Communications and Design program (NMCD) at CNC. Students showcased their projects in the CNC library for friends, family and alumni of the program.

The NMCD program is meant to gear students towards a career in the “ever-changing industries and the courses within NMCD are continuously adapting to meet professional standards,” according to The Artistic Type (the NMCD booklet).

Page 5

The Confluence - Feature

Robert Chavarie, Executive Director of the CNC Students’ Union (CNCSU), said he enjoyed seeing the creativity of the students currently enrolled in the program and that they “are bringing more depth to their work” by presenting it publicly.

The Confluence’s web manager, Taren Johnson. Johnson “see[s] the industry heading upward and onward as it constantly evolves and grows.” She has definitely shown off her talent to make a website pop by giving a much needed updated look and feel to the CNCSU website, as well as set up a new feature to view The Confluence online. To view what Johnson has been up to visit cncsu.ca.

Sean Siddals, an instructor in the NMCD program, was excited about the “great turn out” to the event. “From what I’ve heard, a few business cards have been exchanged.” Siddals believes that this opportunity for students to showcase their work has helped in finding employment once students graduate from the program.

Danny Francis, when asked what influences his work, he replied, “Dr. Seuss and The Beatles.” It is clear that Francis has a sense of humour and style that any employer would be very fortunate to have. Along with being a student in the NMCD program, Francis has also produced a chapbook of poetry.

Morgan MacKenzie, a first year student in the NMCD program, said her two favourite pieces she has done so far are her “Time Warp Alice” book cover and “The ‘Psychedelic’ Era,” (see accompanying photograph). MacKenzie’s inspiration comes from “[t]raditional art develop[ing] into digital [media].”

After viewing the student projects, Don Percosky was “blown away by the edgy design.” It is clear that these students all have the drive and the talent to easily transition into careers in a variety of design and communications Among the student Design show was mediums after graduation. Long live the NMCD program at CNC.

NMCD Faculty Members (From Left) Kim Stewart, Peter Maides, Sean Siddals, Graham Pearce

April 22nd 2013 The Confluence - Feature

Kara Hughes

Showing Off

Page 6

Morgan MacKenzie

Photography by Garett Svensen, Production Editor

April 22nd 2013

-Walske

Existential Colours

The Confluence - Culture

Kael Walske, Contributor

A man finds his piece dislocated his tattoo offers freedom - painted it was the third time we met only to say: it was our collaborative dream my pint was empty it said: I need more I saw his eyes create his words destroyed he leaned in

he whispered: “lets fuck”

the day was met with streaks of gray it became a fantasy we didn’t believe I told him: “my pay cheque can’t cover the bill the waitress spit on our food I have to say, I hate you” he passed out on the sidewalk near Alfredo’s with a lit cigarette

Page 7

and I tipped the waitress

April 22nd 2013 The Confluence - Culture

In one breath - a flicker of her eyes she told me I was her invisible fantasy when we touched - it was fake selfish and imposed I took her hand, in the form of a child we wandered through a field, skipping hidden amongst the buildings that exclude they became a post-colonial retreat in my dream I showed her, his lie I had hoped it was enough

-Walske

Page 8

In Between

April 22nd 2013

-Svensen

G.I.S. Garett Svensen, Production Editor

I found an image Of a woman on the internet: Dirty, But not pornographic

The Confluence - Culture

Dark, grimy and underexposed She watches the world with shadowed eyes, Through the camera With contempt.

A cigarette burned Nearly down to the filter Rests between Her black, chapped lips.

Her hair is wild, A wind tossed pixie cut Black as her eyes And her lips.

I think it’s because She is nothing like a model

Page 9

That I’m drawn To her weathered looks.

April 22nd 2013

Overshadowed!

A.Warren Johnson, Contributor

While these kinds of attacks can be (under normal circumstances) brushed off as nothing more than banter between poets, the current conflict has blown up into something much bigger. For readers unaware of the conflict in the poetry community, it may be summarized as critical thought and freedom of expression versus political correctness and ethical supervision. Dr. Budde used the event to pursue his agenda, which seems to be based on convincing other writers that he is a permanent and persistent victim of unwarranted bullying by members of the poetry community, specifically Pearce and company, and on demanding that poetry – and by extension, all writing, art and design – meet his ethical standards. Once MillAr had finished his reading, Dr. Budde took the stage to thank everyone for coming out before bringing up the matter of feuding poets. An awkward silence ensued as Dr. Budde described how “people feel unsafe going to readings,” and how his work and art has suffered throughout the turmoil. He then followed up with why he feels community is an important element in the Prince George arts scene.

Yes, people felt uncomfortable going to certain readings. Barry McKinnon was not in attendance for that very reason. Dr. Budde made the dialogue open for suggestions on how to rectify this situation to which Pearce briefly explained that he promotes “wide-mindedness, critical thought and a poet’s right to experience the world through their senses.” He asked for an apology for being labelled as “a misogynist, a terrorist . . . and other various names” that he has been called (by people closely associated with Dr. Budde for poster images and poems) through this entire conflict. Pearce’s response was met with silence by Dr. Budde.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Dr. Budde then called on MillAr to discuss how he dealt with similar situations in the Toronto arts scene.

MillAr looked uncomfortable being put on the spot, but managed to answer the question by discussing the internet in a brief professional manner. Gillian Wigmore then spoke up and pointed out how awkward this situation was and asked if MillAr and Stewart would be able to return to the stage for a question

Personally, I found Dr. Budde’s behaviour unproffesional and unwarranted. The fifteen minute discussion of the poetry war overshadowed MillAr’s reading, which was unfortunate, as his reading was engaging (and well attended) and it would have been interesting to learn more about his new book, Timely Irreverence.

If Dr. Budde truly wants to help contribute to a strong arts community in Prince George in a positive manner, then I would like to suggest the following: 1) Apologise to Pearce (on behalf of himself and those in his inner circle) for the damaging allegations made against him.

2) Attend readings hosted by people outside his close circle of friends and,

The Confluence - Arts

Prior to MillAr’s reading, Dr. Budde had made several pointed comments directed at Graham Pearce, who teaches at the College of New Caledonia and is one of the other poetry organizers in the city, and his friends: the poet Dave Ogilvie and Paul Strickland as well as many of Pearce’s former and current students who Pearce had brought to the reading. After Dr. Budde finished his poem, he introduced his own former student and close friend, Jeremy Stewart, who took to the stage and read irreverent cut-ups that had no overt political overtones. Dr. Budde, while introducing MillAr, read a strategically chosen MillAr poem which, for those who have followed what Brian Fawcett has termed a “Poetry War,” was undoubtedly an ad hominem attack aimed at Pearce, the organizers and participants of events such as the Barry McKinnon Chapbook Awards, the John Harris Fiction Awards, and the Postnorth poetry series.

and answer session. Sadly, this soon digressed to Stewart discussing oneups-manships, which served as a reminder about the previous awkward conversation.

3) Be more aware of how his job as a poetry organizer is not to “correct” the culture (both directly or indirectly), but to encourage and grow the members of the arts community in PG.

Page 10

A week ago (15 April, 2013) I had the pleasure of hearing Jay MillAr read at Books & Company’s Café Voltaire. MillAr was a vibrant and fascinating personality which managed to keep the crowd’s attention and deliver some much needed laughter to the Prince George writing community. Yet, like most events like this, MillAr’s reading was overshadowed by Prince George’s “cultural ambassador,” Dr. Rob Budde.