By Shana McDermott

Someone once told me, “There are jobs that make life happen, and jobs that make life worth living.” And I think about this quote almost Every. Single. Day.

As a society, we put a lot of weight into that “makes life happen” category (e.g., doctors, lawyers, engineers), basically the roles that keep everything running. And sure, those are important. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve really come to appreciate the “makes life worth living” side of things. The artists, the writers, the musicians, the actors, the filmmakers, creative ventures of all kinds.

Now, I’m not about to climb on a soapbox and act like I have deep insights into the creative world. I don’t. Case in point: I’m going to use “art” as a catch-all term, and I’m not entirely sure that’s correct. But I do know that art resonates with my soul in a way that makes life feel fuller. It increasingly adds to my understanding of the world. I see how artists express their lived experiences in paintings, music, sculptures, poetry, you name it.

Lately, I’ve been especially drawn to how artists, whether intentional or not, depict economics through their work. Maybe that’s why one of my favorite lectures I used to give was on the economics of science fiction (which, now that I think about it could make a great post for another day!). But as I dabble more in the art scene, I realize that economics is everywhere in art.

The “Dismal Science” and The Potato Eaters

For those not super familiar with economics, it’s often referred to as the dismal science because, well, it has a reputation for making bleak predictions about society, poverty, and inequality. For example, take Thomas Malthus, an English economist, who theorized that population growth would outstrip food production, leading to widespread starvation. (Have I sold you on economics yet?)

One painting that captures this bleak prediction so well for me is Van Gogh’s The Potato Eaters (1885). Now, let me reiterate, I’m not an art historian. But when I look at this painting, I immediately see worn-out clothes, the rough wooden furniture, the dimly lit, cramped space, it all screams rural poverty.

But what really stands out to me are the exaggerated, rough facial features, which hint at the physical exhaustion of backbreaking labor. This parallels the very struggle Malthus worried about when he spoke of subsistence wages and the working poor. The muted colors and heavy shadows add to the weight of the scene, almost as if poverty itself is dimming the light in the room.

Hope Among the Shadows

And yet, despite all of this, I still find hope in the painting.

Let’s take a step back and look at the painting more broadly. I see a family or community members sharing a meal. There’s warmth in that, even in the midst of struggle. To me, it speaks to resilience and perseverance. I see echoes of our world in this image, where many of us are leaning on our communities more in these uncertain times. I also see that same resilience in grassroots organizing, labor movements, and advocacy for better working conditions.

The Potato Eaters, Vincent Van Gogh, enhanced to brighten details.

Having worked alongside agricultural economists, I’m also reminded of how far we’ve come. The time of The Potato Eaters was one of subsistence farming, where many barely grew enough to survive. But modern agricultural advancements have made food production more efficient, reducing famine and hunger worldwide (let’s take a moment of silence for USAID). And while issues like land ownership, labor exploitation, and sustainability are still real challenges, there’s a growing movement toward regenerative agriculture, fair wages, and local food systems.

Art as a Catalyst for Change

This painting is also a reminder of the power of storytelling. Van Gogh made working-class struggles visible in a way that numbers and policy reports never could. And today, we see the same thing happening through documentaries, journalism, podcasts, and social media. Worker voices are being amplified, pushing economic justice into mainstream conversations, even if the conversations aren’t going the way we’d hoped for right now.

So yes, The Potato Eaters reflects the dismal science side of economics. But to me, it’s also hopeful. It illustrates both the struggle to make life happen and the beauty of what makes it worth living.

And that’s something worth thinking about.

Ways to Get Involved

To Find Out More About Regenerative Agriculture, Check Out These Resources:

  1. Quivira Coalition – One of my favorites! They are focused on regenerative ranching, soil health, and resilient food systems.
  2. Rodale Institute – Pioneers of regenerative organic farming, with research on soil health, climate change, and sustainable agriculture.
  3. Kiss the Ground – A nonprofit that promotes regenerative agriculture through education, storytelling, and advocacy. Their documentary on Netflix is a great watch!
  4. Regeneration International – A global network dedicated to scaling up regenerative farming to combat climate change and food insecurity.
  5. Savory Institute – Focuses on holistic land management and livestock practices that restore ecosystems.

Want to support regenerative agriculture? Look for local farmers markets, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs, and brands that use regenerative practices like Patagonia Provisions and Force of Nature Meats.

Ways to Support Your Local Art Scene:

  1. Buy Local Art – Instead of mass-produced decor, support independent artists by purchasing from galleries, art fairs, or Etsy shops.
  2. Attend Events & Openings – Go to local art shows, poetry readings, and live performances. Your presence alone makes a difference!
  3. Commission Work – Need a gift? Want something unique? Commission an artist instead of buying generic prints.
  4. Follow & Share on Social Media – A simple like, comment, or share can help artists gain visibility and attract more opportunities.
  5. Support Public Art & Advocacy – If your city has public art initiatives, murals, or grant programs, advocate for them and vote for funding when possible!
  6. Join or Donate to Arts Organizations – Groups like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Americans for the Arts, and local arts councils help fund artists and community projects.
  7. Take a Class or Workshop – Engage with the creative process yourself by attending art workshops or classes at a local studio.

Image Credits: The Potato Eaters by Vincent Van Gogh, Original and Enhanced (“The Potato Eaters | van Gogh Gallery.” Vangoghgallery.com, 2019, www.vangoghgallery.com/painting/potatoindex.html .)