HOMETOWN: Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada (population 900)

IN THE BEGINNING: After seeing a “B” movie back in 1986, where the main villain had a cool chainmail shirt, I decided that I wanted to try my hand at making chainmail. My first project was a slide-on wristband (poorly) made out of an old chain leash.

INSPIRATION: Pulp fiction novels, “B” movies, comic books, historical arms and armour, Dadaism and surreal art.

KNOWN FOR: My first book, The Art of Chainmail, Volume 1—European Patterns. Always wearing mismatched socks. Numerous original chain patterns. My co-authored Lark title. Teaching chainmail classes at various stores and shows.

EUREKA MOMENT: In early 2000 I created a digital art show along with my father, well-known Canadian artist Jack Whyte, for the museum in my hometown. About halfway through the project, I had an absolute satori when I realized that creativity was actually my true passion.

PET PEEVE: Linear time, people who like to throw around terms like “existential thought,” close-mindedness of any sort.

I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT MY: Pliers, of course! Can’t make chainmail without them.

OTHER PASSIONS: Intellectual discussions, philosophy, barbarism, Blendtec blenders and the quest for the ultimate iced coffee drink, Fortean investigation, cryptozoology, road tripping, rock hunting.

WORDS OF ADVICE: Always remember that the difference between just an average creation and a work of fine art or craft is the willingness of the creator to invest some part of his or her soul.

LARK TITLES: Chain Mail Jewelry—Contemporary Designs from Classic Techniques

MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.artofchainmail.com (one of the first websites to feature computer illustrated chainmail instructions) and www.dylonwhyte.com.

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