Heidi Helavirta

ARTIST INTRODUCTION
My name is Heidi Helavirta. I'm from Helsinki, Finland. I studied at the University of the Arts London, College of Fashion and graduated with a Master of Arts in 2009. Although I am educated as a fashion designer, to me fine arts have always been close to my heart and a secret passion to express what I cannot with clothing. My fashion illustrations and paintings often inspire the whole direction of a fashion collection, on paper and canvas I'm able to discover visual technique which I can reflect with fabrics, cuts and colors to a clothing.

PAINTINGS
The inspiration for my paintings is drawn from nature, fashion, and horses. When I paint, I embrace spontaneity and intuition, and my background in fashion design influences the material, look, and feeling of the paintings. The subject of my work features figures that are human and animal hybrids: fantastic creatures rendered in still and quiet poses with a hint of subtle movement.

The balance of the painting's technique and expression is most important thing for me. For each painting, I concentrate on the technique and take risks to develop new methods. The lines, textures, shades, and areas of colors all have a meaning. It's always a process of learning...

University of the Arts London, College of Fashion