Born in Finland in 1954.
1968 moved to Italy, to Rome, where began his studies in art at prestigious Donatello and Crescenzio art schools. 
1977  the Italian Government provided  significant recognition, the Italian national arts diploma.

Lapela has had several exhibitions since 1980 i.a in Finland Bukowski and Hörhammer art galleries, as well as gallery Stanziani inVenice and gallery Artitude in Paris. In addition, he has had several solo exhibitions in Finland and abroad.
 
Earthy colors are often featured in his paintings. Flower themes and amphora still life work are imagination of the artist's freedom ofinterpretation, and have been the main topics on his acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings.