Painting With Carrots

Pablo Picasso once imagined that, “Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” I am fortunate enough to be friends with two such people – Nick and Erin Potter. Happily married in March, 2006, they have one son – Atlas. Nick told me, “When we first met, [Erin] started asking me to work some drawings into her art pieces and we have never been able to stop collaborating since.” Erin and Nick – both vegetarian – are inventive, gifted artists that have emerged on the Salt Lake art scene. Starting out as screen printers, they were invited to participate in the 337 Project (Utah’s Art Experiment). This allowed them to broaden their art into other areas such as installation, mixed media and painting. I have attended a couple of the Potters’ screen printing parties. I was able to have them print one of their radical designs on a shirt for me. That shirt is one of my favorites – second only to my Neil Diamond and Malcolm-X shirts.

I was fortunate enough to have a little chat with them about their diet and lifestyle.

(WV) How were you introduced to vegetarianism?

(EP) When I was a sophomore in high school I was experiencing chest pain. Slightly worried, I visited multiple doctors who couldn’t explain what was causing the pain. I had done my own research and learned about how detrimental red meat can be for your heart health. I had a lot of friends who were experimenting with a vegetarian or vegan diet, which influenced me to give it a try.

(NP) Erin actually introduced me to vegetarianism. As we were dating and planning to get married, we often wanted to share what we were eating. This was difficult whenever I ordered meat. She never asked me to be a vegetarian, but, eventually, I could see the merit in it and wanted to try it ­as an experiment. That “experiment” has now turned into a lifestyle.

(WV) How has a plant-based diet influenced your life?

(EP) Living a plant-based diet for the last ten years has made it easier to make healthier decisions in all facets of diet and lifestyle. The longer I eat this way the more I realize that it perfectly fits into my personal life philosophy in all areas, including: religious, fitness and health, ecological, sociological and financial. I could never imagine eating any other way. I think it’s important to feel at peace with what you are taking in to your body.

(NP) I think that because I started my vegetarian diet without any real motivation, other than to see if I could go without eating meat, the lifestyle of being a vegetarian has dawned slowly on me. However, it has certainly changed my perspective on food, tenfold. It has also enhanced my religious life and sharpened my political outlook. It’s pretty amazing how a simple thing like not eating meat can influence every part of your life.

(WV) What do you enjoy most about a plant-based diet?

(EP) What I enjoy most about a plant-based diet is not ever feeling guilt over what I’m putting into my body. I have more control and knowledge about my nutrition. I never get that bogged-down gross feeling after eating like I used to as a kid. I also enjoy cooking new foods. I make a lot of pasta and potato dishes. Its fun preparing and combining different vegetables to make unique dishes. I like trying to make ethnic foods. I don’t settle for plain vegetarian foods. The more I try, the easier it is to prepare deliciously creative cuisines from the vast variety of healthy foods available. Perhaps, most of all, I love to cook veggie burgers. I load it up with spinach, garlic and balsamic vinegar and eat it on delicious wheat buns.

I couldn’t agree more with Erin that peace in this life is of great importance. Peace – a state of harmony – is a fusion of lifestyle and consciousness. Truly finding that peace in diet and existence can only help to influence the world where peaceful moments can be few and far between.

You can see more of the Potter’s artwork on their website (link). They also have an upcoming show at Blonde Grizzly (15 East 400 South SLC) (link). The opening reception will be held on September 17^th, from 6-10 pm. Check them out and help support local creativity.

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