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.

Aaron Sciandra

Historically, my work has been difficult characterize. This is primarily due to the fact that I have worked in a huge variety of media over the years, instead of sticking to just one or two things. When I went to art school I was debating between majoring in sculpture, printmaking, or fashion. I decided on sculpture because it allowed me the most flexibility to work in different media. I have had many potential employers tell me they “wouldn’t know what to do with” me because I did so many things. This always seemed like an odd complaint. Read more>>

Anna Subia

Growing up in an environment with a creative deficit, I have often felt that either I or my work has been completely misunderstood. My biggest challenge with mischaracterization comes with casting. Often, due to my tattoos and piercings, I can come off as intimidating or edgy, which is understandable due to the style of my tattoos; yet, one of my greatest strengths is my vulnerability. As an actor, I crave transformation. While it can be beneficial to play into the archetypes casting pushes me towards due to my everyday style, I aspire to show that, although my body may not be a blank canvas, my performances can be. Plus, makeup exists, and piercings are removable! Read more>>

Ashley Wing Murphey

Astrology is often misunderstood and overly generalized. It is more than the sun sign horoscope. It’s based on scientifically calculated, orderly cycles using the ephemeris, which map out the positions of the planets for centuries, past and future. I study tropical astrology and it is based on the precession of the equinoxes on the seasonal cycle rather than the shifting constellations. Read more>>

Xan Hughes

I have experienced my entire life with schizoaffective disorder as young as 5 years old. Doctors call this a childhood-onset version of my diagnosis. Schizoaffective disorder is like a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar. I’ve never quite been understood by others my entire life. Especially as a musician.

The music I perform, compose, and improvise has an intention to innovate ideas and solve problems. I’m already considered quite an outsider with the instrument I play most. It’s called a theremin! One of the world’s first electronic musical instruments invented around 1919 by a Soviet-Russian physicist of the name Leon Theremin. Played with two metal antennas that are controlled by nothing but your hands in thin AIR! Read more>>