This has to be one of the most misleading portraits I've ever made.

Despite the serious demeanor, this guy is about as animated, cheerful, and smiley as they come (he struck a pose when I asked if I could shoot a picture). I couldn't help but get pulled in by his enthusiasm when we were talking. If you live in Boulder or have visited in the last 20-something years, you probably know this guy as the local contortionist. His name is Ibashi-i (not his legal name, but the one he prefers) and he performs on Pearl Street in downtown Boulder. I would have never guessed it based on his energy when I see him perform, but he told me today that he just turned 58. He was born in St. Kitts in the Caribbean and moved to the states in the '80s. He's been performing for over 40 years and he says the main reason he does it is to convince people to stretch and take care of their bodies. Healthy bodies make for healthy minds and healthy minds make for better lives.