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| Sonia
Davis ~ 'Black Nature' fashion label |
Sonia Davis was brought up in Karetu located in the Bay of Islands, north of Auckland. Her tribal affiliation is Ngapuhi. She left Bay of Islands college after two years at high school and started work as a factory sewing machinist at the age of sixteen. Fifteen years later she started an evening class in Pattern Making and Garment Construction at Auckland Institute of Technology in 1994. She was encouraged to enter the Wearable Arts Awards in Nelson and her entry won the Pacific Section that year. Armed with new found confidence, Sonia went on to complete a one year Certificate in Costume Design, receiving the award for top design student in her class. She was encouraged to enter the Wearable Arts Awards in Nelson and her entry won the Pacific Section that year.
Armed with new found confidence, Sonia went on to complete a one year Certificate in Costume Design, receiving the award for top design student in her class. She has recently completed her Master of Arts in Art and Design with First Class Honours in 2001. Sonia's MA has concentrated on natural dyed fibers and she has been the recipient of a research grant from AUT which took her to America and Canada to investigate modern techniques in natural dyeing. "Maori identity has always been
a driving force behind my work. It gave me purpose and conviction to channel
and focus my creative energy. My personal interpretation always incorporates
a Maori contextuality."
Sonia's 1994 Nelson winner has been selected for display in the Wearable Art Museum and her thesis work has been selected to show in the 'Pacific Pathways' Polynesian Textile Exhibition April to July 2001 at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The authentic 'grass roots' appeal of her Moerewa location compliments Sonia's workshop. Using the name 'Black Nature' for her outlet came about because of the two ranges available under the label. One concentrates on a wide assortment of black fabrics made into quality clothing for the larger sized, mature woman. The other range has simple classic styling and incorporates naturally dyed, natural fabrics. These fabrics include hemp, silk, cotton and wool with the majority of the dyes sourced from local bushlands in the Bay of Islands. To see more about Sonia visit the Te Puna i Keteriki Web site or contact here at info@tuna.maori.nz
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