The world has somehow gotten used to hearing Paris Hilton making all kinds of statements that only raise an eyebrow and don’t really come to flatter her. She is, for many, the epitome of blonde celebrity with nothing to show for, and simply too much spare time and money on her hands. It is precisely this image that she’s now trying to clear from our minds, as she tells Heat magazine that she is not just a “blonde bimbo.”

Striking a pose in a platinum blonde wig that trails on the floor and doing her best Barbie impersonation, Paris says that it must have all begun when she and friend Nicole Richie started shooting for “The Simple Life,” a reality show that had the two doing regular chores around the house or at the farm. From then on, people have failed to see the real Paris, she claims, adding that she is misunderstood by the media and fans alike.

“I think a lot of people have seen me on 'The Simple Life' and think I’m a 'spoiled airhead.' But I was playing a character. The producers said they wanted Nicole and I just to be crazy and funny and say outlandish things.” Hilton tells Heat magazine. Moreover, to prove just how wrong the world is about her, the heiress claims that she’s actually completely the opposite than what we’ve seen and read about her in the media. “I'm a lot more serious and shy... and if I’m not out, having to be, you know, 'on,' I’m at home just chilling and wearing sweat pants.” she explains.

In the same interview, Paris Hilton, self-dubbed singer, actress, fashion designer and A-list socialite, also speaks of breaking up with rocker Benji Madden, whom she dated for a considerable while last year and to whom she was said to be engaged. After revealing that she is in no way interested in starting a relationship so soon after Benji, since she’s now trying to “find” herself, the 27-year-old star also speaks of other artistic interests that probably her fans were not aware of. “I have a room in my house where I paint. I’ve been offered an exhibition, which I might do next year,” she says.

For the full interview with Paris Hilton, pick up the latest edition of Heat magazine, out on newsstands today.