Nishima grew up in San Antonio, Texas with parents who had recently immigrated from England and India. With a Christian mother and a Hindu father, she was relatively free to explore religion and identity on her own. After many years of soul-searching, her spiritual quest led her to Judaism.
In 1996 Nishima completed three pivotal years of intense artistic training at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), this country's oldest and most traditional art school. In 1992 Nishima earned two degrees from the University of Pennsylvania: a BA in Russian studies and a BS from the Wharton School of Business. Nishima's most influential art teachers have been Nathan Olivieri at Stanford University, Robert Engman at the University of Pennsylvania, Charles Field at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Bruce Samuelson at PAFA. These artists' expressive, figurative works and teachings have formed the core of her artistic identity.
Nishima has exhibited her artwork in many solo, juried, and group exhibitions across the United States. Her work is in private collections throughout North America. Nishima lives in Santa Monica, California.
Nishima creates Hand-Made Ketubahs (Jewish Marriage Certificates) as well as Limited Edition Custom Ketubahs.
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