C.R. KASPRZYK

First Vegan Thanksgiving

November 26th, 2011 // environment, food

Corn and sweet potato chips with bean and fresh herb dip
Spinach salad with vegetables and clementine-coriander vinaigrette

Dinner rolls
Roasted asparagus
Mashed sweet potatoes

Lemony quinoa with butternut squash
Vegetable pot pie

Peanut butter rice crisp treats

Bats in Northwest Ohio

October 4th, 2011 // environment, field recordings

The recording presents sounds obtained while mist netting with biologists of Northwest Ohio studying local bats (e.g. Big Brown Bats.) Of primary concern is white nose syndrome, a deadly condition noted for its distinctive fungal growth around the muzzles and wings of the affected bats.

(My thanks to Jessica Sewald and the Department of Biological Sciences at BGSU, as well as the folks at Kinokophone (Manchester, England), who included my field recording at their July 24 Kinokophonography event.

I (won’t) miss you…(pepperoni pizza with feta)

September 17th, 2011 // art, composition, environment, food

Well into this year’s busy schedule, it is wonderful to (finally) be diving into my many resources (click photo above.) Much of my time is invested in a few larger projects: an interactive multimedia installation, as well as a work for chamber orchestra. I am also enjoying a whole foods plant-based diet. As in the past, all of these endeavors attempt an integration of what I believe and what I do, exploring the interactivity of life on our planet.

I recognize as the clarity of my vision grows, some may apply a label and create distance. While I can only hope all, including myself, continue to pause for consideration and open-mindedness, I know that it is best for me to continue research and exploration. (There is no time to dwell on glances, resting on the laurels of social acceptance, that blindly charge a vote of extreme.)

Documentation of my new projects will be posted once available. For now, keep an eye on this space for some of this summer’s field recordings, as well as the sporadically updated event calendar.

Radius Sketchpad

August 21st, 2011 // composition, field recordings

Be sure to tune in to free103point9 (WGXC 90.7 FM) Radius Sketchpad Series on August 27! I have curated an episode that features two of my works (i.e. 07.13.10b and W 31st and 8th,) alongside relevant music and sounds. My thanks to Jeff Kolar and Galen Joseph-Hunter, as well as Natasha Barrett, Alessandro Bosetti, Andrew Seager Cole, Richard Devine, Elainie Lillios, Jana Winderen, and Martyn Stewart! Listen here!

Spinach, Lentils, and Rice

July 17th, 2011 // environment, food

2 cups of baby spinach
1 cup lentils
1 cup brown rice
1 roma tomato, chopped
1 lemon
1/2 cup onion
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic

Cook lentils and rice.

While waiting, sauté the onion and add garlic after some time. Include black pepper and other spices (e.g. basil) as desired. Add tomato and spinach on low heat. Add lentils and rice and remove from heat. Squeeze lemon juice into mixture. Place lemon (quarters) on top and cover, letting sit off heat for ten minutes. Serves four.

N.B. Obtain ingredients in a reusable bag while drinking water from something other than plastic.

EMPAC/Tutschku

June 27th, 2011 // composition, technology

I recently returned from EMPAC in Troy, NY, where I worked on a new, 24-channel work. (I hope to continue work on this piece in the near future, as well as provide a binaural downmix.) Under the guidance of the inimitable Hans Tutschku, I found the experience to be quite transforming. It was wonderful to absorb the massive amount of information offered alongside a great group of participants, including two familiar faces and several new ones. (The Boursier-Mougenot was quite enjoyable during down time.)

The culminating concert was a very satisfying experience. One person greeted the (large) audience, a composer would briefly discuss their work prior to its performance, the audience would applaud and then we would move to the next work. No programs, just the composers and loudspeakers.

While Tutschku proved enlightening, the week yielded something else that remains obvious. EMPAC is clearly one of the best thought-out, most extraordinary facilities available for a beautiful marriage of science and arts. Like the other halls and studios present, the Goodman Studio was perhaps the most ideal setting for the multichannel works. EMPAC is without doubt, one of the most essential venues around; five million cubic feet of incredible.

My thanks to Goebel and those at EMPAC, Tutschku, as well as the organizations and gracious individuals who made this week possible.