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What prompted you to become vegan and how did you make the transition? I was always an animal lover and at age 12, I made the connection between my family companion animals, and the animals raised for food. I realized that people eat dogs and cats in different parts of the world. The difference between farm animals and domestic animals is only in the way we VIEW them. I could never eat my dog, or cat… so how could I eat any animal? Once I made the connection between the two, vegetarianism and eventually being vegan was the path I knew I had to travel. You’re both a successful musician and actress. How does being vegan express itself in your art? Being vegan has been a huge part of my path as an artist. In order to connect with art, I need to connect with truth. Being honest with myself has brought me closer to nature and the beauty of life. Most people don’t realize the amount of energy it takes to be numb. Being vegan opened up my energy and creativity. Do you find you are able to influence others in the entertainment industry to bring up compassion issues and if so, how do you go about doing that? I do have the opportunity to influence others and I do it by offering materials that can inform and reach people. Books, and films are the most powerful way to connect with people and open there eyes to a world they have been shielded from. I was lucky enough to help produce the film EARTHLINGS, and it has been my most powerful way to reach people yet. I can’t count how many people have turned vegan or vegetarian the day they watched EARTHLINGS! (www.earthlings.com) I was always attracted to the arts. I loved how it could transform energy…. Make a sad person smile, or laugh. My mother was a teacher and a writer. She constantly exposed me to different music, art, and ways of thinking. Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Billie Holiday were big influences. What was your inspiration for your album, Mecca?  Mecca, my love, and a journey. I see sound in color, so I’m very visual when creating music. Mecca was influenced by feelings I wanted to paint into sound. I have a series of paintings that go with the album. What similarities do you see between acting and music? They are both a form of communication between the viewer and the artist. They both require the performer to be honest and open in a moment… with the purpose of giving and allowing another to receive. I like that you asked what’s similar… I’m always being asked what’s different :-) Not only are you involved in the arts, but you are also a renowned activist. What projects are you involved with and what sort of work do you do? I’m a board member for the Humane Society of The United States, and a Board member of the Sea Shepherds Conservation Society. Both groups are doing so many wonderful things to raise compassion and awareness it’s astounding! Please visit www.hsus.org, and www.seashepherd.org for or more information and ways you can help. How did you get involved and how has this changed you on a personal level? Being an activist was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I want to help other people become aware, the same way I became aware. Because some activist put him or herself on the line and exposed crimes I wouldn’t believe possible….I changed. I learned the things that led me to become the person I am today. The more I learned, the more I needed too do something to help, and be part of the “solution,” in a world faced with so many problems. What new, exciting projects do you have coming up in the near future? I just released my solo CD MECCA, so I’ll be doing some live shows to promote my music. I’m also a painter, so I’m working on my first gallery showing. I’ll be donating a portion of the profits to animal welfare charities. I’m really excited about a new documentary I’m in and a part of, called “Intelligent Life.” www.intelligentlifefilm.com It’s a wonderful and thought provoking film directed by Brian Malone. What advice can you give new artists who want to effectively raise their voices for other creatures? Follow your HEART! The beauty is truth and we have that on our side. Never be silenced, art is such a powerful way to communicate a message. Remember that we are the voice for the voiceless. Do you have a favorite dish that you like to make? (please share the recipe!) I’ve created an Artichoke Field Roast (wheat free) Persia’s yumm yumm delight !!! Lightly glaze a pan with organic oil. On low heat, grill minced onions and several cloves of crushed garlic. In a separate pan -simmer slices of field roast. (Artisan Mexican Chipotle: www.fieldroast.com) *field roast is a soy-free vegan grain meat like product Add grilled artichokes, diced sundried tomatoes, sliced organic cherry tomatoes. After about 15 min, combine the onion and garlic with the filed roast mix. Add a dash of freshly squeezed lemon juice- about 1 wedge per serving. This can be served on a bed of brown rice or wrapped in a lightly toasted spelt tortilla And if you’re in the mood or a hardy meal put rice and mix in the tortilla together to create a Yumm Yumm burrito. Thanks Persia! Contact Info You can reach Persia at www.persiawhite.com. *PRIVACY POLICY - Contact information is never, ever given or sold to another individual or company By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Service. |
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