Merging the past with the present, Harris states, 'The exciting challenge is to keep the paintings relevant and current, even though the subjects come from another era. To avoid sentimentality,...
Merging the past with the present, Harris states, "The exciting challenge is to keep the paintings relevant and current, even though the subjects come from another era. To avoid sentimentality, I keep the compositions bold and cropped, and the paintwork loose, drippy, and rough, even pushing some areas into abstraction." With the context of their actions removed, the women and figures become mysterious; they are alluring not only for their figures, but for the secrets that they hold.
Harris's ability to blend past with present encourages viewers to relate to her works. Without a definite time, place, or person, audiences can visualize their own stories within a Harris painting, and perhaps relax in the sun or in a pool alongside her figures.