About Himani

I grew up in Mumbai, India and came to the US after Medical School for further training in Psychiatry. I worked at the Santa Cruz County Mental Health clinic for almost 40 years.  

As my father did, I encouraged my 3 daughters to explore artistic pursuits. When they were small, I would take them to Open Studios each year, to visit artists at work in their Studios. We would sign up for classes in pottery/clay, gourd masks, silk painting, glass bead making etc. It was a lot of fun and I had all sorts of unusual artwork to hang up in my office. 

Many of my patients or clients, even with the difficult circumstances they faced, were incredible artists who loved the artwork in my office and would bring their own art to show me. I always encouraged my clients to either expand on their talents or find the talents within themselves, which they felt they did not have. It was very therapeutic and empowering for them and inspiring for me to see the joy and confidence it brought them.  

In 2007 I developed ovarian cancer and had to take a year off. At the end of my chemotherapy treatments, I took a class from one of my friends, in making jewelry from silver clay along with my dear friend Harriet and her mother Elaine. We fell in love with the process. When I returned to work at the clinic, Harriet suggested we meet weekly to make jewelry and have tea. We had a wonderful time doing that and learned many new skills from Elaine, who had taken metal smithing classes at Cabrillo College several years ago. 

At first I gave the pieces of jewelry I made to family and friends as gifts. After that I took part in shows around town including Open Studios. I started taking classes in Metalsmithing at Cabrillo College after my work, from 6 – 9pm twice a week for several years. I took a number of classes from visiting artists as well to add to my skill set. That is why my work is so varied. 

My designs are typically one of a kind and organic. The idea is to project style as well as joy and wonder in the world around us. My inspiration comes from my years growing up in India as well as the beauty in Santa Cruz, the ocean in particular, which has always been part of my life, even in Mumbai. Shells, seaweed, sea creatures, the flora and fauna around us as well as love, are all incorporated into my work. I also remember the many talented clients I came across at the clinic.