Percieved

Charcoal on Paper, dimensions (July 2026)

I often wonder: what do people notice first about me? How do people perceive my clothing and jewelry, very noticeable pieces of how I present myself? I’m always wearing some type of jewelry: earrings, a necklace, bracelets. These items have become almost a part of me – I wear them every day, and they are always part of a first impression. I don’t resent that, but I do sometimes grapple with how it may affect people’s perceptions of me. Does it make me come across too femininely? Is there a conflict between how I want to be perceived by people and how I want to express myself through fashion? Does it matter how people’s first impressions affect their perception of me? Should I care? This piece explores this conflict I have with myself and the world around me.