A Tongan-born artist who has won this year's contemporary Pacific artist award in New Zealand says he almost gave up his passion for art.
Kalisolaite 'Uhila's Mo’ui tukuhausia, 2012 Photo: Vimeo
Kalisolaite 'Uhila said he felt humbled and overwhelmed at the award for an art project on homelessness.
He produced it after spending three months living on Auckland's streets.
Mr 'Uhila said he now tells others, not only, to follow their own passion and path in life but to find artistic mentors.
"Seek help from the pioneers of the time before us and just kind of look at the sea and beyond and think to yourself, what is beyond that horizon line?"
Kalisolaite 'Uhila's award was one of six given out at the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards which annually celebrates excellence and innovation in Pacific Art.