On July 16, 2009, the world of ceramic arts lost one of its giants, Otto Heino. On that day, I lost a good friend, a teacher and a mentor who taught me so much. I first met Otto and his wife Vivika 20 years ago when I attended a workshop in Sunnyvale, California. Once we moved to Santa Barbara, I visited Otto more often at his home in Ojai, California. I studied intensely with him for one year in 1995, and regularly for many years thereafter.
Otto and Vivika – who was one of his first teachers before they fell in love and got married – formed an unusual partnership in which they shared everything in the creative process down to signing each piece they made jointly. They were also known for creating ceramic “kiln gods” that they placed alongside their kilns to ensure a successful firing. Dedicated to teaching and developing ceramics in this country, they are credited with playing a major role in the advancement of Northern American pottery making. Some of their famous clients included Frank Lloyd Wright who purchased new pieces as housewarming gifts for each of his new clients.
The last time I spoke with Otto was about one month before he passed away. At 94, he had numerous health ailments that go with a person at his age, but he was still very active as a potter. He worked in his studio daily, and I often wondered where he found his strength and energy to keep working so hard. Otto said that his work ethic was the result of growing up on a farm in New Hampshire where he milked cows twice a day. I think what really drove him was his love for making pots and creating beautiful glazes and always striving to perfect his craft.
I am so grateful to have known him, to have learned from him and to have had him as a friend. I will miss him.