Tarja J. Harney is an Indiana native from Kokomo. Along with her art making and crafting, Tarja is currently an adjunct professor in the New Media, Art, and Technology Department at Indiana University Kokomo and in the Foundations Department at Herron School of Art and Design at IUPUI.

Tarja J. Harney is a mixed media artist who specializes in exploring the intricacies of identity and personal memories through the adept use of symbolism and allegory. Within her artistic practice, Tarja employs a diverse range of techniques, including printmaking, color pencils, watercolor pencils, and ink, supplemented by collaging and, more recently, photography. She seeks new materials and technologies to incorporate into her artwork. By skillfully employing mixed media collaging, Tarja gives her work a three-dimensional quality, resulting in both aesthetic impact and profound insight into her creative process. This layering effect infuses her art with vitality, enabling a captivating exploration of memories and introspective reflections. Tarja regards her creative process as a meticulous construction, assembling a narrative from its inception to its present manifestation. Through her art, Tarja aspires to establish meaningful connections, awareness of her surroundings, and delve deeply into the exploration of her own personal identity.