“Your willingness to allow me to monitor the process of your work gave me the needed insight to understand the amount of skill and detail it takes to achieve your level of quality.”
- Terry Wolfe, CFO, Pacific Shore Inc.
MY STORY
FRANÇOIS LANGIN
PRINCIPAL
True to his family tradition and inspired by the ancient European guild system, François Langin inherited a love of fine woods and the talent to transform them into extraordinary works of art. Through this inheritance, he has dedicated his professional life to this passion.
Graduating with a degree in furniture design from the University Compagnonique in Lyon, France, François Langin, at only 20 years old, was commissioned to work for the King of Morocco, Hassan II. He spent two years transforming the king’s summer palace in Agadir. Following this commission, François spent time in the Philippines where he acquainted himself with a variety of exotic woods, such as makore, narra, bubinga, imbuya, and macassar ebony. This led to his mastery and depth of understanding of some of the world’s highest quality natural materials.
François’s unique position in his industry is deeply influenced by the craftsmen and artisans of an ancient guild system; one that dates back to the 12th century. The authenticity, the skills, and the integrity of these craftsmen have been an inspiration to François since he was a youth in Annecy, France. This beautiful town, known as “the Venice of the Alps,” inspired François through its exquisite architecture and artistry.
Itinerary of a Passionate Man:
From his native French Alps to the palaces of Morocco passing by the penthouses of NY to finally setting shop in Southern California, François Langin has dedicated his professional life to his first love: Wood.
35 and counting he is more determined than ever to create beauty and emotions with his work.
From the shop to the new Laguna Beach gallery François Langin takes you on a journey through three continents.
"Our Flag" Fund project
Portion of the proceeds goes to the SOWF Special Operation Warrior Fund: https://specialops.org/
"The wood work on "Our Flag" is just magnificent!. All the more so because you felt inspired by the American people to make such a wonderful work of art."
- Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Retired)
The story behind the piece:
I have, for quite some time, had on my mind this idea of "Our Flag." I grew up in the French Alps, close to Geneva. My dad was a French paratrooper who later became a pioneer in the tourism industry. My mom was a nurse who was involved in local charities.
Every summer people from different nationalities came to the campground resort that my parents established to seek rest and enjoy the surrounding attractions, such as the lake of Annecy, the nearby snow-capped mountains and the beautiful countryside. I realized at a very early age, perhaps as young as 3 or 4 years old, that I wanted to work with wood. Everything about it was mesmerizing; the color, the scent, the beauty, the feel of it when perfectly sanded. A flame was lit inside of me that was never to be dimmed. Luckily, I was able to avail of great schools and resources, which were available to me to learn how to exploit this beautiful medium. There came a time when I realized that the place of my birth was too confined to truly express myself fully, which led me to go see the world. Projects in Morocco, the Philippines and a few other countries gave me the opportunity to expand and refine my craft and designs. Ultimately, it took me to the United States when I landed at JFK, New York on a day in February. It was the first time I set foot in America; a place bigger than anything I could ever imagine. With 300 Swiss Francs, the equivalent of $50, in my pocket, a few words of English and a curiosity bigger than my fears, America was to become my new home. New York City was the world in one place. It truly was an assembly of all the nations seeking the opportunity to pursue a better life. To me, it was truly a mind-blowing experience. I was fortunate to be involved with some of the best interior design projects during my few years there, but I knew that it was time to open my own atelier. I decided to move west, like the 49ers who had done so a century and a half ago, with the same hopes of seeking my fortune. On a motorcycle journey west, which took 23 days, I was delighted by the encouragement and the support of the people whom I encountered. I was fascinated by these American people whom I had never met before. My thoughts were, "where else is there a place with so much energy, positivism and forward thinking?" It was a revelation to me concerning the spirit of my newly adopted home of the United States and I relished the opportunity to tap into its spirit.
In the many years after settling in Southern California, I have met many people who are truly making the world around them a better place. In particular, I count among my many friends individuals such as a US Recondo LRRP (long range reconnaissance patrol) and mountaineer with whom I have enjoyed rock climbing for more than a decade, and an airline captain who served in the Marine Corps. They embody the hard work, training, discipline, altruism, and steadfastness required to make anything possible and I am fortunate to have them as my friends and mentors.
With my interpretation of "Our Flag," I want to portray the image that I contain in my heart which denotes the people, the opportunities, and the promises of a glorious future this land has always and will always offer.
Most respectfully,
François Langin
"Our Flag”
Hand made. 61”x 31”x 2” American Walnut, African Makore and English Sycamore.
Price upon request.
Portion of the sales goes to the SOWF Special operation warrior fund: https://specialops.org/
