Heidi Kuivaniemi-Smith
Depicting a human face is fascinating: it may be an attempt to capture a person’s likeness and character, or it may help a forensic investigation identify someone. The diversity of faces makes every portrait and every piece of forensic artwork a distinct challenge.
My work includes human and animal portraits, forensic art and related projects. Past commissions include anatomical illustrations for Finland’s first facial transplant surgery and a facial reconstruction project based on an Iron Age skull from western Finland. I have also created artwork for media projects for CBBC, ITV and FirstLook TV.
I was born in Finland and have lived in the UK for several years. I have a degree in nursing and an MSc in Forensic Art from the University of Dundee, completed in 2010. My later study and research has focused on witness interviewing and facial composites, including postgraduate work at the University of Central Lancashire.
Please get in touch about a commission or with any questions about the work.