Meet Lyle...
I am so lucky to have great friends who are always introducing me to interesting and creative people from all walks of life.
I'm excited to introduce my good friend Lyle Chan, who's simplistic approach to style and interest in creative writing has me yearning for more! Everything he touches turns to visual happiness and makes you want to publish it in a magazine. A steller apartment on the Lachine Canal, a wardrobe that will cause envy and a writing style of his own that flows like a river makes Lyle a must follow!
Lyle was gracious enough to take the time to talk to me and let me in on some of his favourites that are inspiring him. Hoping you will discover something new today....
.P
Instagram - @withhairsprayanddenim
Blog - withhairsprayanddenim.tumblr.com
Lyle Chan is a freelance writer, 25, and hails from Vancouver B.C. During his post secondary education, he had delved into the realm of International Relations with a minor in Sociology. He has, since then, realized and recognized his passion for writing and aspires to share his thoughts and words from the perspective of what it truly means to be a young gay man living in the 21st century. Lyle decided to make the move from Vancouver to Montréal because of the Eastcoast vibe, and to be located closer to his cherished city, New York. Topics of interest include: socio-cultural issues, style, design, spirituality, men and gay civil rights.
Top books:
The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wild.
While I was visiting New York, a friend and I were at the Bookmarc shop and he was aghast when he had caught word that I have never read the book. So I opened to the preface and read the words: "The artist is the creator of beautiful things." And from those deeply moving and poetic words, I was sold.
Return to Love by Marianne Williamson.
I first saw the title of this book through one of my inspirations, Jordan Bach, where he posted it as a hashtag on his Twitter feed. Those profound words not only led me to read this book, but are also tattooed on my collar bone. A truly insightful and awakening read.
Grace - A Memoir by Grace Coddington. Recommended by a friend, Grace has endured a life full of emotional twists and turns and is a visionary. Grace > Anna any day.
Most influential writers, poets, philosophers:
Marianne Williamson - Author of "A Return To Love", Marianne Williamson is profound and breathtaking beyond measure. "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?"
The Dalai Lama - I'd recently watched a documentary on the Dalai Lama, and his book: "The Art of Happiness" is one of my favourites. This man teaches us to live simply and freely, unattached and peaceful. To be at peace with oneself and be at peace with others is a perspective that I constantly strive for. To emulate and act as if his holiness would be proud, is my sole mission.
Edward Said - I'd first learned of Edward Said back in my first class of International Relations 101. Said discusses the notions of 'Orientalism' and xenophobia. The 'othering' of nations, from our very own. His books are a scalpel with which we dissect empires.
Michel Foucault - I cannot get enough of Foucauldian theory! His discourse and analysis have enabled me to critically analyze, grasp and engage my ideas of society at large. Ideas of 'biopower' and 'governmentality,' and his theories on sexuality expand and blow my mind, all at the same time. I am not afraid to come off sounding like an academic nerd here at all. After all, the 21st Century illiterate is not one who cannot read nor write; The 21st Century illiterate is one who cannot learn, unlearn and re-learn
Favourite Instagram Accounts:
@isnathan - That style, that outlook, that body, THAT MOUSTACHE!!!
@dylanisbell - Always captivating and inspiring reflections within the periphery of New York City life. It's refreshing to see creative imagery through social media platforms, rather than what so-and-so drank last night at the bar.
@tylerknott - "Poet. Photographer. Author. Buddhist." Tyler Knott Gregson has a fine way with words. His writing style is simply beautiful, and he is surely one of my biggest Instagram inspirations.
About My Tattoos:
My first tattoo is of the New York skyline. It was my initial experience in being inked and it hurt like a mad muthafuckah. It's a wish to depart, and a promise to return to the Big City. It's kind of like a reminder as to where I'm headed.
My second/third tattoo is a tattoo I got with my friend Karynn when she moved up north. It's an X and an O as a symbol for a hug and kiss. NOT to be mistaken for tic-tac-toe, cause' that's lame-oh!
Fourth tattoo is "Return to Love". As I'd previously mentioned, it was inspired by Marianne Williamson's book, and Jordan Bach's hashtag. Both important and admirable influences in my life. "Return to love" means: in everything you do, every action and every word, just do it with love. Because love is your birthright.
Dream Job:
My ideal job would entail being situated in the beloved city of New York, where I can share my passion for writing, style and focus on what it means to be a gay man in the 21st Century through a publication like Hello Mr. magazine.