BY: ROB HOFFMAN

Portland—the original home of gutter punks, hipsters, weirdoes and forward thinkers. In the middle of one of America’s most beautiful and progressive states, Portland is a magnetic core of positive energy, interesting people and free thought, quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the coolest cities in America. Thanks to comedy series, Portlandia, the city’s legendary charisma has inspired a national infatuation that boarders on phenomenon.

Jedediah Aaker, beard champion, Barfly Party Bus host

Rachael Reckless, dancer and stripper

Nik Sin, actor, escape artist, compere

Fred and Toody

Andrew Shuler

Influenced by the show, San Francisco based photographer, Kirk Crippens, took a month-long artists residency in Portland to document the colourful residents and capture the spirit of a city dressed almost entirely in earth tones. Though some Portlanders resent the stereotypes, others are proud to live in a city known for its liberal attitude, funky-atmosphere and general open-mindedness.

Gayle Whitehurst, Royal Rosarians’ Prime Minister

Extremo the Clown

Andy Lewendowski

Noah Mickens

John Brennan

According to Wired, Crippens spent 10 months preparing for the photo series by reaching out to locals for details and contact info for Portland’s finest eccentrics and representatives.

Ed Edmo, poet, traditional storyteller and consultant on Northwest tribal culture

Tres Shannon III, founder of Voodoo Donuts

Miss Alex Kennedy

Audrey and Strommer, body modification community members

Damos Abadon, local artist and student welder

He managed 45 portraits in total, and believes the series, Portraitlandia, casts an accurate light on what it means to be a Portlander.

Ibrahim Mubarak, co-founder of Right 2 Survive and Dignity Village homeless community

John McAfee

Laura Gibson, musician

Mary Kozlov, mail carrier

Sources: kirkcrippens.com,  wired.com