Groundbreaking is an adjective many creatives strike for - and it's one that sits squarely on Nigel Borell's shoulders.

A renowned Māori artist, museum curator, cultural advocate and Arts Laureate - Borell (Pirirākau, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Whakatōhea) is firmly established as a leading force in the Aotearoa creative community.

His unmistakable role in the phenomenon that was the Toi Tū Toi Ora exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery - along with his strength of character to walk out of his role and speak out critically about the imbalance of power when it comes to curating - speaks volumes of his skills and stature.

Being at the helm of the largest exhibition in the Gallery's 133-year history, holding over 300 works by 111 Māori artists - as well as the 195,000 visitors making it the most attended exhibition at AAG in 32 years - brings with it a level of clout that many would rest upon.

But that's not Borell's way - he's been busy using his profile to boost organisations and artists while continuing to develop his own artistry.

That's why when Borell talks, people listen. 

His Creative Journey interview on The Big Idea's Learning Network offers a unique insight into how he worked his way into such a crucial position within the creative ecosystem.

 Te ao Māori plays a crucial role in Borell's creative identity. He shares that working on large-scale meeting house projects was an experience that profoundly shaped his trajectory. 

"Working on those meeting houses really consolidated my pathway as a Māori artist. It wasn’t just about the art – it was about engaging with cultural practice on a deeper level."

But like most creatives, his artistic origins started on a much smaller scale.

For Borrell, the love for creating began early in life. He recalls being "quite young" when he first realised art was his calling. "I would have been probably eight - I remember making little figures out of plasticine and drawing – those were the first little things that got me hooked on making and creating."

Being creative and seeing a future career in it - or more to the point, convincing others it can be - doesn't always materialise. But Borell urges others to stick to their guns.

"There was lots of noise growing up about what you should do and who you should be," he recalls. "The visual arts weren't really seen as a viable career back then, but I knew that was what I wanted. I was still trying to figure out my voice.

"Art-making is all about exploration," Borrell explains. "It's important to allow yourself to experiment with different types of disciplines and mediums because there's lots of lovely crossover. 

"Don’t put too many labels on yourself. Experiment, play, and figure out what it is about art that you enjoy."

Perseverance is crucial, but Borell advisers other creatives - no matter what stage of their journey they're on - to stay patient as well. 

"We live in a society where everything is instant, but art doesn't work that way. It’s about creating a wealth of experiences that will build your career over time."

Find more Creative Journey interviews, as well as learning modules like finding your own roadmap and how to sell yourself, available for free at the Learning Network.