I have always been told I care way too much about what others think of me. I think this is true for many people, we place too much value in the opinions of others. Trying to get other people to like you can result in you doing things you regret. Trying to impress your friends can be anything such as what you wear and how you act to drugs, drinking, and sex. People are constantly losing their identity in order to please others.

I got the concept from my photo from my own experience. I was pressured to get involved with drugs in order to be accepted and liked. Looking back now it scares me how easy it was for people to pressure me. 

The story I am telling with this photo is about a character who had never considered doing drugs at all, then suddenly she is placed in a position where all her friends are doing it, and pressuring her to do it herself. She gives in, giving up a part of herself to the pressure. This is represented with the black around her mouth, beginning to consume her.

In high school fitting in and being liked is something everyone places above who they truly are on the inside. It is frighting what peer pressure can get someone to do, and the lasting impact it can have on a person.

With my artwork I am expressing the importance of staying true to yourself. Showing how when you give in to pressure you are corrupting yourself and your identity. Although this photo only represents the drug aspect the idea can be applied to many other situations. Whether it is who you choose to associate yourself with, what clothes you wear, or even if you stand up for what you believe is right.