Heikkinen, born and raised in the Southeastern portion of Connecticut, began practicing art and the creative process at the young age of 12. Having been self-taught for 6 years, Heikkinen enrolled in Paier College of Art for Photography and Digital Imaging and later on Three Rivers Community College for the Visual Fine Arts. Heikkinen will be receiving her AFA in the Visual Fine Arts in the Spring of 2017, and will be obtaining an Associates in Graphic Design and later her BFA in the same focus over the next few years. Heikkinen's work revolves around the idea of identity and inner reflection while her photographic work focuses on capturing the beauty of the world as she only sees it. Her use of color symbolism and juxtaposition aid in her artistic endeavors to showcase the complexities of the human personality and identity.
Heikkinen has obtained numerous achievements for her work, including receiving the "Norwich Cultural Fine Arts and Committee Purchase Award," in 2015 for her piece Ambition, which will hang at the campus for the remaining life of the college. She also has received numerous Honorable Mentions at juried art shows throughout New London County, and received the Connecticut Association of Schools award for Visual Fine Arts in 2012. When Heikkinen is not behind the camera or canvas, she is busy working as a Teacher's Assistant at Three Rivers Community College, or she is busy giving others the beautiful gift of using the creative process by hosting private art classes. |