Audio: Sonic poet paints scenes with sound
November 6, 2010 by Jeff Groat
Kwantlen creative writing student Mark Funston crafts new sounds using old poetic forms. His style of sonic poetry is a cousin of slam poetry, and Funston likes to add his own twist using traditional forms such as the villanelle or the triolet. Each has a unique internal rhyme scheme that adds to the “sonic” qualities of his work. Photo by Jeff Groat
[audio: SonicPoetry.mp3]
Ever since the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, people have been tuned into the world of contemporary poetry after Shane Koyczan’s “We Are More” performance. Kwantlen Student Mark Funston isn’t a slam poet, but his work is like Koyczan’s in that its author’s voice breathes it to life.
Sonic poetry is the name Funston uses for his work, and it is phonetically charged with both old and new style. By playing with classical poetic forms, with rigid rhyme schemes and structures, he is able to add an extra layer to his work.
Funston has completed his minor in creative writing at Kwantlen, but is not considering launching a career as a professional poet.
I have been blown away by Mark’s poetry time and time again. Mark puts his whole soul into his work. His poetry is beautiful and passionate and I can not wait to hear more from this amazing artist.
Mark does his work so much justice by describing his style and influences clearly. His talent at executing poetic devices means the reader need not understand the theory behind poetry to get a, “Wow, those are powerful images!” reaction.
Mark brings more than talent to the table though…
Mark connects to his audiences by evoking their senses (sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch) and little else. He has recognized that abstraction does imagery little good, and relating the message in the familiar language of our senses is both more effective and more moving.
For those that don’t know, Mark remembers imagery best by describing it in words and/or saying it aloud. It is through daily cultivation of this approach to memory that he has become so astute at describing imagery to others.
Keep an eye on this rising star!