The Artist PDF Print E-mail
Jan HandtmannOur lives and our world are in a constant state of change. A new day of history is invented every second, every minute, and every hour. Time marches relentlessly forward.  Physical changes, emotional changes, scientific and economic changes are occurring to us and around us every moment of every day. Changes and challenges are constantly created in our greater global world and in our private worlds all the way down to the cellular level of our own beings.

Change is not all bad but it seems to be human tendency to resist change on many different levels. I believe that this resistance to change is created by a fear of the unknown and a fear of the past. We live in a media blitz of information much of which emphasizes the negative aspects of our world. For many people their life experiences cause them to spend too much time pondering the “but…what if’s “ of life. Spending precious time pondering the potential dangers of the future or dwelling on the past spawns worry, stress, anxiety and fear. Fear robs us of the perspective and confidence that allows us to move forward in a positive way. When our time is spent worrying we miss the beauty, love and positive energy that is around us every day and that creates our check and balance system to the chaotic state of our world. If we are truly living our life in the present we stay open to all the potential and beauty that is available around us every moment and we view the changes in a positive light. We make choices that allow us to enjoy our lives and relationships.

My body of work is about viewing the world, even with its flaws and challenges, in a positive light. It is about appreciating that different perspectives can create beauty and positive energy. Positive energy creates positive feelings. Positive feelings create positive actions, which in turn make our world a better place to live. It is about seeing the world in its full spectrum of color while still acknowledging its complex challenges. It is about celebrating our chaotic world and its constant state of change as a magnificent catalyst for its own rebirth and our own constant reinvention as individuals.

Jan Handtmann
01.10.09