SOUND REMAINS: An Interview with Suzy Poling AKA Pod Blotz
Suzy Poling is a self-described polymath and interdisciplinary artist who works in sound, video, sculpture, painting, and performance art. She is known for her sound art as Pod Blotz. SOUND REMAINS will feature Poling’s first live set since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down performance venues. We discussed the upcoming show, the transformative nature of the 2020 lockdown, and feeling like a cyborg.
Tell me a little bit about what you’ve prepared for SOUND REMAINS. What are we in for?
Suzy Poling: I just prepared a live audio set with some newer and older video work that I showed on my last tour. I took a break from making video work for awhile, but I plan on making many new pieces this winter. Sonically, I will bring the usual syncopated rhythmic noise that is mixes in techno elements, modulated and chaotic drone sounds that are made from modular and semi modular synthesizers.
Are you approaching this set (your first since the pandemic started) any differently than you have in the past? Any new techniques or ideas?
SP: I do feel that I went through a transformation during the pandemic, and am really going through one now. I mean, we all did. I am using the same techniques at the current moment, but I would say that the intention and feeling behind the work has evolved. I was hitting a really great stride just before lockdown, so I would say that I am still connecting to that turning point and extending the growth into this new moment. I recorded some new modular synth and CV drum machine sounds from the Vintage Synthesizer Museum recently that I will bring to Thursday's set. I have some new tracks that I created for compilations over the pandemic, but plan on getting back to releasing things this winter and spring.
What is your relationship to the other artists involved in the show, and how do you complement one another?
SP: I am friends with all of the other artists. Some are older friends, some newer. I really admire, love, and respect all of them. This show is very diverse in terms of mixing straight techno with noise acts and syncopated rhythmic soundscapes. I am excited to see what is happening with the visuals installations and experiments during the early part of the show. The last show I played before lockdown was also in San Francisco at Grey Area for the Recombinant Media Labs Fest and one of the live acts played that as well. His project is called Article C (Chris Latina).
What is it about posthumanism that seizes your imagination, or inspires your work?
SP: To be honest, I haven't been reading about posthumanist theories as much this last year. In many ways, I will always be fascinated with the idea of being "beyond human," as certain aspects of cybernetics are also extremely interesting. I feel that through our phones and computers and the use of AI, we are already in the posthuman world.
I think that I became very intrigued with posthumanism and transhumanism because of my spinal surgery, and the metal implants connected to my spine. Through that surgery, I went through a transformation and connected with feeling like a cyborg. I am not saying that in a way to sound weird. Other people who have had spinal fusion have said the same thing. I mean, posthumanism is definitely an entire concept with about 5 different versions, so this is hard to just quickly talk about. I think I connect with the New Materialist mindset that fits under the umbrella of posthumanism theory. However, I've been more into reading about the changing earth, geoengineering, green infractures and an experimental future world lately. I am thinking more about land use and repurposing materials while considering ancient and futurist ideas/mythology.
Can you tell me about your creative process when you were constructing pieces for "Ecological Assimilation: Mud Figures"? What were you hoping to divine?
SP: I started this body of work three years ago, when I would take visits to see the Mud Pots near the Salton Sea. I took photographs, shot some video, and did some field recordings of the various sounds of this geothermal activity. I have been visiting volcanic and geothermal areas for years, and have a bit of an obsession with these places, as many people do too. These places are such a source of life and are ancient. There is so much to think about and sit with. I paired these images with photos, collages, and videos taken at Mono Lake, another surreal and fascinating place. I filmed both of these magical places at twilight, so the color shifted to this purplish blue tone. I then made paintings and masks to emulate the textures and colors of these earth designs. This work feels very romantic to me, and is really a form of earth worship and coping with a volatile and changing planet.
"Ecological Assimilation: Mud Figures." Courtesy of Suzy Poling.
"Landscape & Life" is an exhibition of your work alongside the work of artist Paige Emery. Were you familiar with her work prior to this show?
SP: I have been familiar with Paige's work for a few years. I first heard of her through music as she played a live A/V set at a New Media festival called Femmebit. I was also familiar with her activism work with The Future Left. Her work is really great in the show. I would consider her a Future Gardener. I think she is really onto something good and important. The show, "Landscape and Life," is curated by Artist and Activist Gabriel Solamon Mindel, and is closing this weekend, Nov. 13th, at Indexical Space.
Any artists you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
SP: So many. My dear friend and longtime collaborator, Kamau Amu Patton. I have some plans for an audio and visual release. More on that later. I also want to get back to curating things.
What’s next for you? What are you working on, or thinking about?
SP: This winter I will be making a new record and multiple tracks. I am trying to just follow through on ideas and collaborations that need to be realized. I also plan on organizing my extensive archive for future book release, and I plan on reading a lot and going deeper into video art and learning more difficult 3D programs. I will be living in Detroit for the winter taking care of my mother and making art...
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