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.

Chenoa Hill

My recent project is one that a few have come to disagree with, while others absolutely dig it! I do realize that this project may be risky, for some, even disrespectful and dishonorable. My affinity for fashion and the Hindu gods and goddesses inspired this project. The inspiration for my latest creative project was manifested through a random night out look. Read more>>

Felipe Velez

I’ve always chosen the path less taken. I try to stay out side the box and create with out any distractions or limitations. My abstract metal series has its limits Bc most individuals can’t understand the meaning. When the meaning is creating and evolving. My mind lets me see how it will look in the end with out so much planning. Read more>>

Shamon Ingram

As a sign spinner in Arizona I am often misunderstood and mischaracterized. My job is to get people’s attention and through out my 8 years of sign spinning I have created an over the top method at getting people to look at me. There is no right or wrong way to sign spin but this day and age every one has an opinion and because they’re in the safety of their cars I sometimes on the receiving end of so pretty horrible comments. I have developed thick skin but I am still human and it bothers me a lot. Read more>>

Professor B. Miller

Having the word “Satanic” as part of your band name certainly seems to stop most people in their tracks. Over the years, we’ve had shows cancelled and vendors turn us away as a direct result. People don’t really seem to spend much time looking any deeper to see if there is actually something offensive or problematic going on. I’ve found it sort of works as a litmus test, and if you get past that and still want to know more, you are probably open minded enough to appreciate our strange band. Read more>>

Terrence Heard

I would have to say that my work has been misunderstood & mischaracterized by thousands of people; Which has a lot to do with the lack of attunement. At the age of 9 I’ve always felt this desire to be seen and I’ve always known that I would be a hot sensation to others. My Freshman year of High School at Coppell High I knew day 1 that I was going to be that guy people gossiped about. I say this because I was openly gay, I played football and ran track, even took graphic design, and a performing arts class which was dance. Read more>>

David Swartz

My brother and I work with very bright colors and have a very energetic style. This has lead a lot of people to assume we’re psychedelic artists and use drugs to find our inspiration. It can get rather tiring to explain that while we have both used drugs in the past, including psychedelics, they are by no means are the driving force behind our creativity and artistic practice. It’s funny, I’ve actually been in recovery for 4 years now and my brother Jon rarely uses substances now. I’ve found that while drugs can be used as tools we have both wildly misused them and both found that they actually hinder our creatively and hold us back artistically. Read more>>