David Foster Wallace (1962-2008) was an author known for maximalist writing, expanding a sentence to the fullest potential with a depth of context being provided, having elaborate details, descriptions, and the frequent use of figurative and complex language. In 2004, Gourmet food magazine published Wallace’s essay entitled “Consider the Lobster”, which recounts Wallace’s visit to the 2003 Maine Lobster Festival (MLF). Wallace’s essay challenges the reader to consider the (a)morality of agribusiness, and the (lack of) ethics they (as a consumer) typically hold when using these products, with the case of the humble lobster—"Is it all right to boil a sentient creature alive just for our gustatory pleasure?” Consider the Lobster (2025) was written in January 2025 in a period of 24-hours as I taught myself how to use a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for the first time. All speaking audio excerpts used are of David Foster Wallace reading this essay.
I programmed this piece on my Senior Composition Recital (November 22, 2025) and leading up to it, I wasn't satisfied with my original product of a purely electronic piece, so roughly from October to November I made the accompany video to emphasize Foster's message in his essay.