It is a scenario that might sound too familiar: you follow the rules, live quietly, and suddenly you are forced to meet a request that feels totally disproportionately.
Is it the moment when your feeling of justice plunges inside and find yourself at the crossroads – are you humbly leveled or are you pushing back?
This is precisely that the dilemma Etienne Constable found itself when the demand from his association of homeowners (HOA) caused his desire to stand up somewhat unexpectedly. Result? A story that makes waves in the community – and online.
There are times when we are asked to do something that feels unfair, and in these situations we face the choice. We can either accept it or stand up and resist.
This is often the case for individuals living in the neighborhood with the Association of Homeowners (HOA). These organizations may be particularly difficult to solve because they create rules and promote them with a heavy hand.
If you step out of the HOA line, you can find that you face consequences such as fines or even more serious actions, depending on the rules that are introduced.
Etienne Constable, the resident of the seaside community, found herself in conflict with his HOA over a somewhat unique problem. In July 2023, he was told that he could no longer keep his ship on a driveway due to a complaint from his neighbors. He was instructed to cover the ship to protect her from glance or face a fine of $ 100.
The city regulations were clear: “ships, large campers, motor homes, recreational vehicles, trailers and holiday trailers” could only be parked on driveway only if they were “mixed on the side and a six -meter fence in front”.
Constable initially decided to meet the demand, but decided to do so in a way that would make a statement. Rather than simply hiding the boat, he put it behind the fence and then painted the wall painting with the boat itself.
Constable explained that he was using his ship for fishing and parked it on the driveway four years before filing a complaint. He found the situation absurd and initially thought about sending a sharp news of the town hall. In the end, however, he chose a more creative route and has a playful form of revenge.
A neighbor, who happened to become an artist, helped him add murals and explained Constable: “I am a great supporter of public art in the premises. He involves people in a way that simply talks to them.”
Since the mural has become a viral painting, Constable has received a number of requests from their neighbors as to whether it can paint similar murals on their properties. The municipality is aware of the situation, but Constable has to hear from them.
Finally, the creative reaction of Etienne Constable not only made it possible to follow the rules, but also changed the frustrating situation into a funny and meaningful statement. His mural, which has since become viral, emphasizes the power of art to express and join people. Despite the awareness of the municipal matter, the smart solution of Constable caused a wider interview on public space, expression and sometimes excessive promotion of the rules. Although HOA may not have been pleased, Constable’s approach clearly left the permanent impression of his community, and the viral nature of the murals continues to inspire others.