Upon first glance, Positive Perception in Peach Veneer appears happy and light-hearted; however, upon closer inspection, broken-down objects have been masked by the painted surface. Emotional tendencies such as insecurity and dependence emerge alongside compulsive object placement, exerting a need for control, like posturing the self for public display. This work acknowledges the facade of the mediated self that is further perpetuated by social media, thus, questioning a narrative that equates wealth and external gratification to happiness (an ongoing theme in Watkins’ work). The temporary nature of installation works such as this focus on the present moment while examining physical manifestations of the psyche. Watkins often blurs the lines between destruction and beautification imploring viewer investigation and self-inquiry to draw one’s own conclusions.