Helis Podnek
"Rooted" Soft pastel, graphite pencil 2025, 44" x 30"
"Suvi tuli tuppa" Luminance/graphite pencil on cotton paper, 28" x 32"
"When in Paris" luminance/graphite pencil on cotton paper, 34” x 24”
"Angry Geese" luminance/graphite pencil on cotton paper, 38.5” x 31”
"Look Closer" luminance/graphite pencil on cotton paper, 38” x 58”
Medium: Pencil
Helis Podnek is an Estonian-born artist whose graphite and pastel pencil drawings explore the complex relationships between nature, humanity, and society. Raised in the forested village of Veskitaguse, she blends natural imagery with layered social, political, and cultural narratives—using plants and animals as symbolic figures to tell complex human stories.
Her work is both introspective and expressive, shaped by global travels and a deep bond with nature and has been exhibited internationally and recognized in juried exhibitions across North America and Europe.
“My goal is to inspire those who see my work to look more carefully at the world around us, find beauty and acknowledge parts that we tend to turn a blind eye to.”
For inquiries or commissions, contact info@bay1gallery.com.
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Helis studied Product Design at the Estonian Academy of Arts (2005) with further training through the Ellen Frank Illumination Arts Foundation- Visual Art Internship Program (NY) and Multimedia Design at Nordic Multimedia Academy (Denmark, 2010).
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Selected Exhibitions & Awards:
– 2021 Solo Exhibition, Harcourt House, Edmonton
– 2016 Finalist, The Art World Registry
– 2015 Bradley International Drawing Exhibition, USA
– 2014 Curator’s Choice, Linus Galleries, California
– 2012 5th Place, Light Space and Time – Overall & Painting