“The artist should first exercise his hand by copying drawings from the hand of a good master.” Leonardo da Vinci.

Inspired by this quote Stephen apprenticed to master painter, Niko Chocheli. Under his guidance, he spent five years mastering the fundamental skills of drawing, design and draftsmanship in the classical tradition.

Building upon this classical training, and being inspired by noted artist Anne Packard of Provincetown, MA, Stephen began to explore his own artistic voice. “After critiquing my work Anne looked at me and said, 'Too much information! I want to see your soul on paper.' That day, I found my voice.” His artistic voice has expanded through an exploration of the shamanic artistic journey under the guidance of Irish artist Timothy Hawkesworth and subsequent studies with Cynthia Packard of Provincetown, MA.

“The paper, canvas, paints, pencil, charcoal, pen, ink, watercolors all have lives of their own. I get out of the way and become a vehicle for their expression. I find art to be like writing my poetry and music. Always the work points down the path of a never ending journey. True to life, my artwork is sometimes messy, sometimes disturbing, sometimes beautiful. Without fail it is an expression of the soul.”

Stephen's work has been displayed and sold at: The Chocheli School of Fine Arts in Doylestown PA; The Orazio J. Salati Studio and Gallery in Binghamton NY; Harperspace Gallery, Wellfleet Mass; Artist's Open Studio Show, Hilltown PA; Netherfield Gallery, Frenchtown, NJ; in addition to private commissions.

Stephen Heilakka © 2009. All rights reserved.
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