When you think of contortionists, images of circus performers (perhaps a la Cirque du Soleil) likely come to mind. The bending, twisting, and stretching seem impossible — and never fail to mesmerize.

Fort Lauderdale artist Erin Barylski paints without a brush. Instead, she covers herself in paint and performs splits, contortions and yoga poses atop a large canvas. She calls what she does “Splits ...