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.

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.

Easy habits

// April 17th, 2011 // composition, environment

First, everyone should check out Radius. The next two Mondays (i.e. Episode 5) should provide an interesting morning commute. Some of my other recent work (perhaps) takes related ideas further.

Similarly, it seems appropriate, considering past posts, that I properly weigh in on another easy habit to form. While the political debate continues, it remains evident that being less wasteful is an essential item. That said, I wonder why we continue to use the plastic/paper shopping bags provided at stores.

Canvas and similar reusable bags typically can carry much more than the plastic bags on which people may rely. (Why opt for carrying more bags that dig into your hands?) Of course, the only way reusable bags prove worthwhile is to actually reuse them. Many typically forget their reusable bag. Thankfully, there are a number of bags that are compact (and most grocery stores sell bags for a mere dollar). Additionally, I was reusing the plastic bags offered for produce for some time. I now have small bags that are quite suitable for this and other items. There are many ways to handle this.

Regardless of one’s stance on environmentalism, how do we still find the use of disposable bags justifiable? There are many other things that take larger toll on our planet, but why not take small steps that are easily attainable? Our choices make a big difference when multiplied.

Food-ish

// March 6th, 2011 // environment, field recordings, food

A few of my recent field recordings were presented at an event hosted by Kinokophone in Manchester. One theme involved in the selection criteria was the recording of food. The follow is an (unedited) recording of two things that hardly provide sustenance (i.e. a carbonated beverage being poured into a glass with carbonated candy).