Ayaka Nishi
Ayaka Nishi is a Japanese-born, New York–based jewelry artist whose practice exists at the intersection of sculpture, nature, anatomy, and conceptual design. Raised in Japan within an environment deeply connected to the natural world, she developed an early sensitivity to organic form, balance, and quiet beauty—sensibilities that continue to shape her work.
Her artistic perspective is profoundly influenced by her upbringing. Nishi’s mother, an Ikebana artist, introduced her to principles of natural composition, negative space, and the ephemeral balance found in nature, while her father, a surgeon, exposed her to the precision and complexity of human anatomy. Growing up between these two worlds—nature and anatomy—fostered a lasting fascination with organic systems, structural logic, and the harmony that exists between living forms, both human and natural.
Before relocating to the United States, Nishi studied Aesthetics and Art History at a university in Japan, establishing a strong theoretical foundation that informs her sculptural and conceptual approach. She later graduated from the Jewelry Design program at the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) in New York, where she refined her technical and material practice.
During her formative years in New York, Nishi was deeply involved in the production and fabrication of contemporary and high jewelry, working closely on the making process with Philip Crangi, followed by contributing to the studio practice of Subversive Jewelry—both led by CFDA Award–winning designers. These experiences grounded her work in rigorous craftsmanship while reinforcing a sculptural, concept-driven sensibility.
Nishi’s jewelry is characterized by forms inspired by natural landscapes, organic growth, bones, cellular structures, and biological systems. Her work emphasizes the beauty of nature, intricate detail, nuanced textures, and the delicate balance inherent in organic forms, translating these elements into sculptural objects that transcend ornament and engage the body as a site of contemplation.
She currently operates her store and atelier in Manhattan, where she produces her collections and works closely with collectors, artists, and designers. In parallel, she is an active educator, teaching jewelry-making, wax carving, and conceptual design to an international community of students.
Her work has been widely recognized across film, fashion, and design media. Nishi’s jewelry has appeared in major motion pictures including Avengers, music videos by Beyoncé, as well as numerous television dramas. Her creations have also been featured in leading publications such as Vogue Italy and Architectural Digest, situating her work at the intersection of fashion, art, and architectural design.
Through a sculptural approach rooted equally in nature and anatomy, guided by intellectual rigor and meticulous craftsmanship, Ayaka Nishi continues to expand the language of contemporary jewelry—creating works defined by timeless beauty, material integrity, and enduring balance.