Conversation with Laura Harris
Founder of Niches and Nuances
What has been your favourite online experience thus far?
I've really enjoyed the ability to connect online without having to travel somewhere and be in so much of a rush all the time. AWITA coffee mornings are a really nice way to start the day actually, I found the sessions inspiring and the 30 minute time slots are perfect. I also had my birthday on Zoom during lockdown, it was in April before anyone had really over done Zoom calls and I had such a great time laughing with friends.
Do you have any advice for our members regarding maintaining work and productivity while working from home?
I think it's a good idea to set yourself some kind of routine as I now find I don't have any time to spare, despite no longer having a commute. The days are rushing by. I set time aside for personal projects and exercise and walk about 4 miles every day, as the boundaries of the working day are less clear than they once were. I also find it interesting how we have changed our dress and make up routines, some omitting both altogether but I always put my face on before a meeting online, as I would in 'normal' life!
Are there any inspiring quotes that have resonated with you at this time?
This quote by Maya Angelou is one that resonates with me.
'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'
I think this is why we work with artists and in the art world, art is emotive and often stays with you for a long time after seeing something in a gallery or a show.
Do you think there will be changes from this period (working from home/changes in childcare) that you will continue with after lockdown ends?
I'd like to continue to work from home for some of the time as I find it's more efficient and my online activities are going well.
Have there been any books that you have read during this period that you would recommend to the rest of our membership base?
My favourite book I've read this year is My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh, I read this before lock down but it's just so relevant to read now. It's dark but so relatable, wanting to opt out and hide away, artists need time to themselves to be creative. Not to this extreme necessarily, but I think it perfectly captures moments in all our lives and relationships. The character also works in an art gallery, so I really recommend it to AWITA members.