The supreme award winner of this year's national creative Maori Arts award says he sold his first painting when he was just nine years old.
The paintings of acclaimed Te Atiawa contemporary artist Darcy Nicholas have been exhibited internationally since the 1960s.
Originally from Taranaki, Mr Nicholas' work reflects his tribal childhood, the power of his ancestral mountain and the stories he inherited.
He says it's humbling having his art held in high regard throughout the world.
Mr Nicholas says he has always set goals and tried emulating some of the best artists in the world, such as Picasso and Rembrandt. He is as inspired now as he was when he started painting.
The Creative New Zealand - Te Waka Toi awards were held in Wellington at the weekend.
Winners:
Supreme Award winner, Te Tohu Aroha mo Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu
Te Atiawa contemporary Maori artist Darcy Nicholas
Lifetime Service to Maori Arts - Nga Tohu a Ta Kingi Ihaka
Ngati Awa Orator Dr Hohepa Mason
Ngati Koroki Kahukura and Raukawa contemporary sculptor Fred Graham Ngati Tuwharetoa Writer Rore Hapipi
Ngati Kahungunu fiction writer Renee Taylor
Ngai Tuhoe and Te Whanau a Apanui orator Tiwi Black
Making a difference to the arts - Te Tohu Toi Ke a Te Waka Toi
Ngapuhi actor, writer and director Rawiri Paratene
Contributions to Revitalising Heritage Maori Arts
Te Rarawa and Ngati Kahu navigator and traditional Maori waka builder Hekenukumai Busby
Ngati Porou/Ngati Awa/Ngai Te Rangi/ Ngati Ranginui/ Ngati Pukenga navigator Jack Thatcher
Strengthening the Maori Language - Te Tohu Aroha mo Ngoi Kumeroa Pewhairangi
Ngapuhi and Te Atiawa former Maori Language Commissioner Dr Patu Hohepa
Te Waka Toi Maori Arts $4000-Scholarships
Waikato-Tainui Maori curator Damen Joe
Ngati Porou visual artist Deane-Rose Marie Ngatai
