Clay artists

Davina was raised in Auckland where she completed her secondary education to the age of 14. From there she moved north to Whangarei where she was surrounded and immersed by her mother's people. The new school was very different and she didn't adapt well to the change. Davina left school in 1991 after completing her sixth form and from there enrolled in an Art/Craft and Design course at Northland Polytechnic. It was during this time that she was introduced to clay and various media. Davina's time spent at Northland was brief as she left in 1993 to have her first child. This journey took her away for seven years, moving around the North Island and eventually having her second child in 1996.

In 2001 Davina returned to Northland Polytechnic to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Arts. Davina was fortunate to have Manos Nathan as one of her tutors; he inspired her to take the step towards enrolling at Toihoukura in Gisborne where she would be nurtured and developed in her taha Maori. Davina is currently completing her fourth year of an Advanced Diploma and finally feels that she is truly pursuing what she has always wanted.

Most of her works have been derived from the potaka (Maori spinning top). She has taken the concept and tried to express both its vulnerability and strength and the beauty in very simple forms. Her work is also influenced by her experience of growing up around three very strong women.

Initially her work is a response to her surroundings and emotions that affect her at the time. Her children are strong influences, not as subject matter but as inspiration and strength. She enjoys the solitude and isolation that working with clay brings.