Vivika & Otto Heino

Renowned for their masterful collaborations, Vivika was an Alfred grad and dedicated teacher who shared her profound technical expertise with students at USC, Chouinard and more. Otto was one of her students at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen after WWII. Merrill visited the Heinos frequently at their home in Ojai, which was built by former student Beatrice Wood.

“True craftspeople do much more than just make things. They live within their work, feel the aliveness of the materials.” – VH

Otto Heino, Vase, c.1960
Otto Heino, Vase, c.1960
Vivika and Otto Heino, Vase, 1974, California Visionaries: Seminal Studio Craft, Featuring Works from the Forrest L. Merrill Collection
Vivika and Otto Heino, Vase, 1974
Otto and Vivika Heino, Untitled covered container, c.1963. Courtesy Forrest L. Merrill
Otto and Vivika Heino, Untitled covered container, c.1963. Courtesy Forrest L. Merrill
Otto & Vivika Heino, Untitled (covered container); Merry Renk, Ate by Ate, 1976
Otto & Vivika Heino, Untitled (covered container); Merry Renk, Ate by Ate, 1976