Jan Langdon Handtmann

When asked about what media I work in I say multi-media. I enjoy utilizing many different media and especially enjoy using them in combination to express a theme or an idea. Over the years my work has included an exploration into photography, monotype, painting, sculpture and digital technology. My goal now is to continue to develop a body of work that utilizes these in combination. Art should have no steadfast rules so part of my challenge becomes how to use new media and technology to make art and express ideas. I tend to feel that using only one media is confining to my self- expression.

When asked what type of work I do, I explain it as abstract contemporary multi-media work. Abstract meaning that it is not representational in a traditional sense. I do use certain recognizable shapes, materials, and symbols in a metaphorical way to express statement content. I call these shapes and symbols my vocabulary. I try to free these shapes, symbols and materials by eliminating the restrictions of traditional drawing perspective view points. They are not tied to a horizon line or one perspective view point but float in space often expressing individual perspectives. Some of the work combines multiple perspectives: viewing objects in plan view, elevation, and section view points which are all two dimensional symbolic ways of representing three dimensions. Three dimensional drawing perspective is used as well but only for select individual objects versus the whole composition. I draw on my architectural and design background but try to reinvent it by freeing it up from the traditional rules. Color and light theory are also very important elements in my work. Color and light are magical! They work hand in hand to create mood, movement, energy, and also provide emotional and compositional connection.

Education

University of Southern California
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (1974)
Awards: Summa Cum Laude
Post Graduate Studies – Long Beach State University,
Interior Architecture (1974- 1975)

Awards:
S. California ASID Student Design Competition Winner

Professional Experience

Langdon & Wilson Architects, I974-1981
Interior Space Planner
Interior Designer & Graphic Designer
Interior Division Head Designer

Awards:
“Up and Coming Designer”
Interior Design Magazine, October 1980

Major Projects:
Albertsons Market Headquarters, Boise Idaho
Albuquerque Publishing Company, New Mexico
Downey Savings and Loan Headquarters, Irvine Ca
Published in Interior Design Magazine
Green Valley Business & Industrial Park
Graphics and master-planning, Las Vegas, NEV
Hughes Aircraft Corporation Headquarters, El Segundo, CA
Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Los Angeles, CA
Koll Center Newport Beach, master planning and office, Buildings #1 through #8
Langdon & Wilson Newport Offices
Saint Vincent Professional Medical Offices, Los Angeles, CA

Jan Handtmann Contract Design, 1982-1983
Space Planning, Interior Design and Graphic Design

Major Projects:
Cypress Savings and Loan, Irvine CA
Rowan & Company Headquarters, Pasadena CA
Rodi Pollack & Associates Attorneys at Law, Los Angeles, CA

Jan Handtmann Fine Art & Photography

1983 to present

Fine Art & Photography:

Private Collections:
Beverly Hills, CA
Southampton, NY
Pasadena, CA
Santa Barbara, CA
King Creek Ranch McCoy, CO
Denver, CO
Los Angeles, CA
Manhattan Beach, CA
Dallas, TX
Pittsburg, PA
Hobe Sound, FL
Malibu, CA

Permanent Architectural Installations:

Neon Sculpture - “Bolt from Heaven #1”,  & “#2”
Installed in large skylight wells, Private Residence - Pasadena
Neon Sculpture - “ Out of Heavens box”
Installed in skylight, Private Residence - Santa Barbara
Neon Sculpture - “Neon Wave”
Installed in skylight,  Private Residence - Santa Barbara

Exhibitions
Monotypes: Art Under Pressure, Hillel Gallery 2008
Monotypes: Hillel Gallery 2007
USC Giogalto, Tuscany, Italy - June 2006
Pasadena Art Festivals
USC Student Shows
Current series in progress:
Multi-media  “Architectural Life Landscapes”
Monotypes and multi media, “The Duality of Time”
Monotypes: Environmental Impact

Interior Design
Design projects and consulting

Major Projects:
Private Residence, La Canada, CA
Private Residence, Altadena, CA
Private Residence, Pasadena, CA
Private Residence, McCoy, CO
Private Residence, Santa Barbara, CA
Private Residence, Southampton, NY

Photography

Major Projects:
Cover Photo: Thoroughbred of California
Santa Anita Race Track Photographer 1983-84
Annual Calendar contributor

Graphic Design Photos and Layouts:
Holani Farms 1994-2006
Publications:
Chronicle of the Horse, Show Circuit Magazine
Hunter & Sport Horse Magazine

LBS Football  Team Photographer