#ATHOMEWITHTHEMAN: LLOYD PURSALL
What activities and/or hobbies are keeping you active at the moment?
Freelance artists are used to spending time alone - we're always searching for our purpose and how best to present ourselves and our work. In a lot of ways I was ready for quarantine life but it many ways I wasn't.
At the moment I'm not making any money but I wanted to use my skills to support and highlight some of the industries that are really suffering. I'm working on a documentary that is going to follow different people through their Covid-19 journey. Whilst there are many similarities it's been fascinating to learn how people are coping differently.
I've adopted new approaches to film making, lot's of interviews via Zoom and directing people over the phone. The whole piece is an experiment in itself. I'm excited to reach the end of the road when we can bring people back together in one of our favourite places - the cinema - to screen the final film.
How is that impacting your well being?
I'm your typical social Libra who thrives being around other people, especially my friends and family. Summer holds some of the highlights of the year and of course it's sad to not have them in 2020 - Ibiza, LA sunshine, London beer gardens, picantes at Soho House roof, Carnival!
I've had to learn to love being with myself and I think it's actually something I needed to do. Getting to know yourself again can definitely benefit your own wellbeing. My mental health has been strong, and I think this is because being a freelancer trains you for the hustle and how to survive on your own in the real world. We deal with a lot chasing our dreams. Anyone will tell you that path is tough and so having years of being on the grind has prepared me mentally for something like this.
Also having a guilt free time to put on the brakes has been refreshing. Essentially health and protecting the vulnerable is the number one priority right now so staying safe has to come before anything. More than anything I am grateful that my family are well.
Have you developed a structure for your days yet, if yes, what motivated you to put a structure in place?
Working out has been a massive part of my day and helped put a structure in place. Since I was a kid I have always woken up with the "what are we doing today?" attitude. This has carried through into my adult life and even into quarantine. I try to set some structure to my day so that I don't spiral.
Running and Netflix have been my good friends. I actually ran a half marathon solo a few weeks ago. I've been a pacer with the Nike LA team over the last year and they had a big 13.1 race planned for April 5th which we were excited to run together. Obviously it was cancelled but lots of us went out on our own to complete the miles we had committed to. The spirit of the community (even though we are apart) has been really uplifting.
Of course, some days are busier than others. I go through waves of cooking - one day I think I'm a superstar chef the next day I don't even want to look at a stove. I also have no idea how I'm always washing dishes! On a whole I think it's important to still push yourself so you don't end up in a dark place but also appreciate this is a new way of living for everyone and that it's ok to take your time figuring out how you want to experience it.
Have you discovered anything new about yourself during this lockdown period?
Yes...I bake good cakes. I can run pretty far on my own. America has a major tiger problem. I forgot how much I love to dance. I have some really amazing people in my life. LA is a beautiful city and I'm really grateful to live here during these tough times.
If so, how will that dictate your actions post lockdown?
Post lockdown I am ready to approach my craft with a new attitude. I have realized there are so many distractions and so many things that can move you in a different direction from what you really want.
When things go back to normal I will feel fearless in telling people the films I want to make, the photo's I want to take, and the clients I want to work with. We hold the key to our success and the social media era has diverted so many of us to make things just for other people. If I look back on my career so far, the thing's I have made with genuine love and passion and personal projects like 'To Live and Try in LA' are the things that connected the most to others. We must take this time to realize our potential and be ready to maximize that on the other side.
What does your work from home uniform look like?
I've actually been wearing jeans a lot. Anything too comfy and I will get stuck on the couch or the guest bed in my office. Outfits always depend on the mood, right? Right now it's somewhere between sporty, comfy but still focused. Might throw on a nice shirt for a big night in with a bottle of rose.
The essentials:
Music
My plants
My office
Netflix - 'Tiger King' to 'The Innocence Files'
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly
Friends and Family via Zoom
The creative part of my brain
@Barrys IG Live Workouts
Trader Joes and their heroes working so we can still eat
BevMo 5 cents sale
Who to follow during quarantine:
@styledbynana - Keeping the energy up with her juices, work from home fits and workouts.
@emmanuellawal - My vibe master.
@urbyn_ - Number one source for alternative/real news.
@mroceanblue - King of memes.
@__nitfit - Queen of staying strong, toned and happy. We both love cajun seafood too.
@irenettya - If you're not already following, well, you've missed out.
@youngkingstv - keeping it real lol
