"Estonian master" is an inspiring project by Leis Heikki. In the series, the photographer pays tribute to the people who continue to work with their hands and elevate their professions to the rank of art.
For three years Leis Heikki watched talented artists from different fields, capturing them and the workflow. Here are not only the usual types of art such as painting and sculpture, but also very unexpected and no less important professions of a surgeon or a mechanic. There are 33 photos in the series. Behind each of them is a story of a true professional of craft, devotional vocation even in the era of global computerization and automation of production.
Ivo Lill, glass artist
Merlin Tammeleht, car mechanic
Tanel Veenre, jeweller
Piret Veski, potter
Andrus Hamalainen, luthier
Helen Heinroos, hairdresser
Karl Eelmaa, magician
Jarmo Nuutre, sign painter
Sille Silkmann, shoe designer
Mart Eller, surgeon
Karl Annus, eyeglass frame craftsman
Terje Lillmaa, textile artist
Eero Mander, brewer
Mihkel Korv, gunsmith
Liisi Roht, makeup artist
Priit Parn, animator
Agur Ints, carpenter
Stella Soomlais, leather designer
Peeter Allik, linocut artist
Ivar Feldmann, smith
Terje Kiho, doll maker
Ott Koppa, taxidermist
Edward von Longus, graffiti artist
Ants Uustalu, chef
Ervin Juht, butcher
Lola Liivat, painter
Johan Tralla, clocksmith
Heino Kalm, "tooth fairy" (Can you imagine what is this profession?)
Arne Zekker, forensic pathologist
Tiiu Kirsipuu, sculptor
Mico Goldobin, tatoo artist
Taivo Piller, florist
Urmas Pikhof, tailor
Leis Heikki is better known at home as a practitioner of photo-realism. But the man admits that analog photography — the classical shooting method based on the use of photosensitive materials with a chemical way of recording images — remains his passion. The project "Estonian master" is a classic example of another direction — camera work.
Shooting from "workshops" is not less impressive:
The project resulted in a book in Estonian and English. It includes different pictures and detailed stories about the heroes of the series:
Like, add this publication to your favorites and share your impressions in comments. Thank you for your attention!