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.

Adria Sheri Marcey English

Im definitely misunderstood. I tried a brief 6 month Stent in the adult film world back in 1999. That ultimately led to my parents finding out and of course it disgraced our family. That threw my life into a frenzy as I escaped to NY Ny to avoid the shame but in 2004 ended up being introduced to someone I had been looking up to creatively in the music Industry. Sean “Diddy” Combs! In my vain pursuit of entertainment fame, connections, and fortune I ended up being used, misguided, and groomed for sex trafficking until just about 2010! It has affected my life until this very day. Haunts me Read more>>

David Restrepo

I’ve found that people mistake my intentions with fashion. People tend to see it as something superficial or ostentatious. Fashion is quite the opposite. Turning a basic human need into art and self expression is what makes us human. Through the presentation and flow of each garment we convey what is within. I believe fashion is often confused with style. Style adheres to guidelines and rules that are said to be most flattering. Fashion is eclectic and pushes the boundaries. Read more>>

Jessea Little

Since I’ve started crocheting I’ve noticed everytime I would present my work I would get constant questions if I actually created the work. I thought with it being online maybe there was a disconnect because there is a lot of art and sometimes hard to identify the originator. I recently had my very first pop up shop where me and my work were present and it was a very extremely interesting how and my art work was perceived. My niche is crochet which is a handicraft in which yarn is made up into a patterned fabric by looping yarn with a hooked needle. When I’m engaging with others they often continue to ask me do I crochet hair which I think because I’m a black women I have to be doing hair before I am creating fine art. During the pop up shop a few people mentioned I did not look like an artist that I looked like a model I thought to myself well why can’t someone have the ability to be both? During the remaining of the event I was constantly questioned and almost doubted about my ability of creating the work. I find it interesting as young attractive black artist why do I have to be one dimensional? Read more>>