Handmade: Inspirational Photo Project by Heikki Leis

"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:

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