Otto Heino was born in East Hampton, Connecticut, and was first introduced to ceramics in Europe at the time of World War II during his military service; visiting the studio of Bernard Leach in St. Ives which inspired him to think of working in ceramics. When he returned to the US in 1949 he started taking classes at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where he met his future wife Vivika; already a working studio potter and Assistant Director of the League. They worked collaboratively, making thrown vessels decorated with rich glazes and most works were signed Vivika + Otto. Following Vivika's death in 1995 Otto continued to work, but signed only Otto.