“Before you life is a pallet of edibles inspired by Ridgefield National Wildlife refuge. We invite inquiry on each specimen and how it speaks for the land by facilitating conversation that samples complexity of each main ingredient. The choices of ingredients were chosen for their appropriateness based on either being indigenous and having a rich history in this region or by being an invasive species that threatens the natural flora and fauna that have thrived here for hundreds of years.”
An (N) for “native” and an (I) for “invasive” was the first signifier of what the participant was preparing to eat and discuss. Each ‘bite’ was artistically composed to provide a compelling taste of indigenous food and spur critical inquiry.
Each presentation was arranged on a piece of native western red cedar further engaging the senses and supporting the local, native conversation. The program was printed out and inserted into a slot in the wood so the participant could easily reference.
