reviews_and_ramblings | Man Candy Day: Jordan Carlyle

Jordan Carlyle is an artist making his name in the world of art. 26 year old originally from Alabama, he got his start in the world of creative interpretation at the tender age of ten. Whether it is one of his monochromatic interpretations on nature, or one if his buoyant pop art pieces, Jordan’s work embodies a consistent expression of the joy he so evidently finds in the ability to take an image of the world as it is, simple and plain, and illuminate the unexpected beauty in each of those single images.

After studying architecture and art at a private university in Los Angeles, Jordan devised his own aesthetic, a signature look that he applies today, characterized by a raw glamour and a structural sleekness that is so consistent in his work. The intent behind each piece is based on the notion that the true environment of a given place can best be captured by combing multiple images into one. Last year his talent was recognize by prestigious Gensler Architectural Firm in Los Angeles.

Fine Art by Jordan Carlyle

Fine Art by Jordan Carlyle

Fine Art by Jordan Carlyle

Fine Art by Jordan Carlyle

Fine Art by Jordan Carlyle

“I basically start with a photograph that I have taken, and begin to visually pin point the different qualities that I find unique and beautiful within that photo. Then I deconstruct the image digitally, extracting each of those things I want to illuminate, and begin to manipulate the image, combing those selected elements with aspects of other images I have taken. Finally, I play with colors and intensities to evoke the moods and emotions to which I was aiming. The final image is complete. Each piece is one of a kind, and I am proud to personally sign my name of each of them.”

Born in Alabama, Jordan lived with his mother until he was six, at which point he was taken away from her and sent to Mississippi to live with his grandparents. “She wasn’t ready to raise a child,” he says. “I can’t hold that against her.” He also forgives the fact that she does not know who fathered him. “She was a bit promiscuous,” he says with a magnanimous smile. After three years with his aging grandparents, Jordan was placed, along with his half-sister, in the Tupelo Children’s Mansion Ministries (TCMM), a Christian home for orphaned and needy children. “They were getting too old to take care of me,” he remembers. “Growing up in a children’s home was probably one of the toughest things I have ever had to experience.”

His love for photography started when he was still a child. “I got a 35mm camera for Christmas while I was in a foster home and I began taking pictures of nature and landscapes. I was just 10.” He is also comfortable behind the camera, he spent some time modeling in New York and Miami. “I was spotted by a modeling scout in high school” he told Instinct. “I hated it,” he sighs. “Being from a small town, I had no idea how competitive it was going to be.”

After spending some time in Los Angeles, Jordan moved back to New York City. He told to Best New Gay Travel Guide, "I moved to NY almost a year ago to really expand my business. I felt it was time to dive in the deep end to really push myself to grow and take my business to the next level. I had a pretty fantastic life in LA… the car, amazing apartment etc… but I realized that I needed to be pushed out of my comfort zone if I really want to grow and evolve... I recently started Kabbalah at the center here in NY and I must say its pretty life changing. I’m all for self improvement! Since living in NY I must say I haven’t really had the desire to make it back to LA."

"As for a typical day for me… I wake up at 8 and head straight to Equinox in Soho with my boyfriend who lives with me now. We meet almost 1 year ago while visiting NY. I came out to celebrate my 27th birthday at Elmo. I had my best NY friend throw a huge party for me. While I was at the party… Christopher was at Elmo having dinner with his friend. Right when he was about to leave, one of my best friends of 9 years saw Chris leaving and called him over. My friend had just styled Chris on a shoot for an editorial…. And the rest is history. We have now been together for almost 1 year this month!”

Jordan is currently working with CB2 and will have a line of images available through them.