Often, those who tread off the beaten path are misunderstood or mischaracterized and so we asked folks from the community to reflect and tell us about the times they’ve been misunderstood or mischaracterized.

Tea Downs

Oh, definitely. When I chose to combine my enthusiasm for cannabis with my skills in art and education, I was prepared for some misunderstandings. One of the most common responses I encounter is, “So, you just talk about weed all day?” This often prompts me to clarify that my work involves far more than mere conversation. Read more>>

Miracle Sims

As a Renaissance woman, I’ve often faced misunderstandings about my diverse range of interests and pursuits. People frequently try to put me in a box or suggest that I need to focus on just one thing. This has happened numerous times, whether in conversations with friends and family or in professional settings. Read more>>

Tiffany Petty Gilliam

One definition of misunderstood is incorrectly interpreted. It seems that the age we live in expects us to come to quick conclusions about the people, circumstances and relationships we are a part of. Life labeled as an “artist” carries a simplified definition that creates and normalized assumptions. Artistic complexity is eliminated, as artists lean into the societies demands, forfeiting that “outsider” perspective that can powerfully contribute to society in meaningful ways. Read more>>

Angelo Iodice

My name is Angelo Iodice and I perform a western variety act under the stage name AJ Silver, the Cowboy From the Bronx. To most ” A Cowboy From the Bronx” is a compete paradox. Especially since I perform at such a high skill level and is was well respected by my colleagues out west. People always want to know how a kid born and raised in NYC, to a community of Italian immigrants became interested in the cowboy arts? Read more>>