• We're going through a crash, the sixth extinction, climate collapse, geopolitical collapse, economic collapse, all types of overlapping, interlaced cycles of destruction. And like on planes, what you can do, at best, is to get ready for a glide as opposed to a hard landing, because that means some will survive, and those that survive aren't necessarily the lucky ones. So while we're on the plane, instead of putting on our noise canceling earphones, pretending that we're not in a sardine can, we could try turning to each other and saying hello. So many things can happen between the moment when we know the plane is going to crash, that there's no getting away from that and the crash itself. So, my invitation is to the listeners : what are you doing before the crash, in this time? What are you doing with your life? How are you going to actually weave connection? Because it's still possible to operate without hope. It’s absolutely imperative. (as told to Coman by Vanessa Andreotti in 2019)

‘In this episode, we delve into the life and work of Coman Poon, whose journey from colonial Hong Kong to contemporary Canada shapes his unique approach to art and community engagement. His story includes embracing change, fostering connections, and advocating for social and environmental justice.‘

Sounds pretty good, right? This paragraph was actually written by artificial intelligence software Whisper Transcribe. It’s a good tool but it makes Coman’s work sound a bit … dry.

Let me try reading a bit of Coman’s bio written, I assume,  by a human.

Intersecting with his varied inter-arts collaborations, Coman Poon is a bilingual inclusion and intercultural advocate, community and organizational developer, decolonial and indigenous ally of Hong Kong & Toronto upbringing. With Erica Mott, he co-founded re[public] in/decency (Chicago/Toronto), an arts-activist initiative and creative think tank that explored the transnational intersections between live art, social justice activism and arts-informed pedagogy. Since 2013, Coman has been collaborating with his spouse, architect and installationist Brian Smith, under the moniker of [ field ], a life/art collaboration which explores the interstitiality within ritual and performance. Becoming Ten Thousand Things is his collaboration with dancer Naishi Wang centred in contemplative Taoist performativity. With Diana Lopez Soto, Coman co-founded Land Embodiment Lab (LEL), which holds space for the intersection of agroecology, land stewardship and arts practices through research into/of labour. As artist and consultant, Coman chose to be no longer active on social media and has intentionally deleted his website.

That’s more like it but still a bit removed from what I experienced when I spoke with Coman : 

• I want to be of service, and I am of service in a number of different ways. And it's not always as an artist, it's not always through making and sharing something I've made. Sometimes it is around reweaving social connection in preparation for political battle. And I contribute in the particular way I do because I know the skills that I have.

So, as you can hear, Coman likes to apply his skills and knowledge in various contexts. For example, in a reevaluation of our relationship with nature and in fostering connections to navigate impending global crises. 

• The earth has something to teach. If we pay attention. The land and waters and also the more-than-human have something to offer. It's my job to listen, it's my job to notice, it's my job to steward, to tend, and to the best of my ability, to offer something that is going to be an act of reciprocity.

Coman also invites us to explore how art can be a powerful catalyst for change and a way to build resilient communities, which will likely be very important for those who survive that gliding plane crash he told us at the beginning of this episode. 

• I think the arts teaches me particularly because as a creator and also as an expressive arts therapist and coach, that the pathway to moving the dial has to always happen at the speed of trust. So it's relational. It's from moment to moment. It's rooted in presence.

A heads up that this is a longer than usual conversation in three parts : the first was recorded in my living room while Coman was recovering from a cold, the second was a soundwalk in Rupert, Québec and the third was in front of my house in Ottawa. They are presented in this order. 

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Sections of the podcast (generated by Whisper Transcribe AI and reviewed by Claude Schryer)

Welcome 
In this opening segment, the host introduces Coman Poon and the importance of discussing art’s role in social change and ecological crises.

Coman’s Journey: From Hong Kong to Canada
Coman shares his background, detailing his early life in British colonial Hong Kong and his immigration to Canada, which shaped his identity and artistic perspective.

Art’s Impact on Social Change
Coman reflects on his multifaceted identity as an artist and activist, emphasizing the significance of art in addressing social issues and the need for artists to engage deeply with their communities.

Nurturing Transformation in Arts Organizations
Coman recounts his involvement with Can-Asian Dance, detailing the challenges faced and the strategies implemented to revitalize the organization and support emerging artists.

Community and Collaboration: The Arcadia Experience
Coman describes his life in the Arcadia artist cooperative, discussing community dynamics and the impact of COVID-19 on the artistic landscape.

Reigniting Community Through Art
Coman shares the success of the Arcadian Art Gallery story exchange, highlighting how the initiative fostered connections and storytelling among community members.

Hyperlocal Art Initiatives
The discussion turns to the importance of hyperlocal art projects, exploring how these initiatives can strengthen community ties and address local issues.

Bathurst Quay: A Community in Transition
This section explores the challenges faced by Bathurst Quay during the summer months, emphasizing the importance of creating community spaces to reclaim a sense of belonging amidst change.

Anticipating Change: The Future of Bathurst Quay
As federal aviation laws evolve, concerns about the potential expansion of the island airport arise, prompting local artists and activists to foster community connections and prepare for upcoming challenges.

The Role of Art in Social Change
This segment examines the complex relationship between art and social change, questioning how artists can contribute to community issues while maintaining the essence of their craft.

Innovative Projects: Art Meets Environmental Awareness
The section presents collaborations between local artists and community members to create projects focused on environmental awareness, aiming to inspire collective action among residents.

Art as a Reflection of Nature
In this section, the discussion shifts to an exhibition that explores the interconnectedness of humans and nature through art, challenging conventional views on environmental issues.

Reconnecting with Our Senses
The conversation delves into how art can help us reconnect with latent sensibilities beyond our five traditional senses, illuminating our experiences in urban living.

The Pathway of Trust in Art
This section discusses the importance of trust in the artistic process, particularly in community hospice and expressive arts therapy, emphasizing relational dynamics for meaningful engagement.

Land Embodiment Lab: A New Initiative
The introduction of the Land Embodiment Lab highlights a project aimed at bridging agroecology, community development, and art practice, reflecting on transformative experiences with the land.

Rethinking Consumption and Agency
This section explores the concepts of underconsumption and consumer agency, discussing how individual choices can influence systemic changes and the importance of informed consumption.

Indigenous Stewardship vs. Western Conservation
The discussion contrasts indigenous land stewardship practices with Western conservation methods, advocating for a more integrated approach to environmental management.

Listening to the Land: The Role of Humans
Claude and Coman reflect on the importance of deep listening to the land and understanding human impact on ecosystems, advocating for thoughtful interventions in nature.

Art in Times of Crisis
This section addresses the role of art during crises, examining how artistic expression can provide solace and solidarity amidst chaos while highlighting the challenges artists face.

Lessons from the Pandemic: Rethinking Artistic Value
The speakers reflect on the pandemic’s impact on the arts, emphasizing the importance of supporting artists as essential contributors to society, particularly during crises.

Preparing for the Crash: A Call to Connection

The final chapter presents a metaphorical reflection on the impending crises facing humanity, encouraging listeners to cultivate connections and community in the face of uncertainty.

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END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I publish a Substack newsletter called ‘a calm presence' see https://acalmpresence.substack.com. 

Your feedback is always welcome at [email protected] and/or on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads or BlueSky.

I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on March 26, 2025