"Trying to Survive in the Golden Jungle" uses golden mica to symbolize California, known as the Golden State. This artwork challenges the idealized image of California, revealing the harsh economic realities that many residents face. The golden sheen represents not just wealth or prosperity but also the illusion that the state is still what it once promised to be. The piece portrays how people in California are navigating a difficult landscape, often struggling in survival mode, reminding viewers that beneath the glamorous exterior, many are enduring tough challenges in the current economic climate.