Harriet traces her artistic choices back to notable influences early in life. She attended a convent school, where she recalls seeing the icon of Mary for the first time. “I was completely mesmerised by the depth of emotion in each interpretation of her face.” But perhaps more importantly, she was drawn to the mystery and romanticism of the Romany and circus communities: groups of people who live outside of society, maintaining an understanding of survival and a relationship with the natural world despite ongoing prejudice and abuse from the rest of society. She says, “For me, this human strength and vibrancy, along with the aesthetic glory of these studies, offers me an unlimited source of inspiration.” Harriet’s work champions the value of these communities and challenges our society’s lack of empathy and engagement with them.