Biography

            Pedro Alexander Da Paz was born in Portugal in July of 1982. He and his family lived in the picturesque village of Molelos, located in the Beira Alto central part of Portugal, east of the Serra do Caramulo Mountains. When Pedro was 3 years old his mother and father decided to depart there small town in Portugal and immigrate to America to begin a new life, but Pedro was left behind with his Grandfather and Grandmother in Molelos till his Parents got settled in the States. It was then that Da Paz was first exposed to the Arts through his Grandfather (Antonio Ribeiro), a Potter, who also taught the ancient art (2700 year old tradition) of  Black Pottery. Pedro, though very young, would spend his days following his grandfather around in the Pottery classes and began creating little pottery figures of his own. When Pedro was almost 5 years of age he was sent to rejoin his Parents in America. He arrived in Elizabeth N.J. where he has resided since.

                Pedro’s life continued to be influenced by the Arts in his new Home, Now through his father who painted in oils. He began watching his father work and quickly became interested in drawing. At age 6 Pedro had drawn his first picture, a sketch of Mickey Mouse. The drawing was done so well that his father could not believe he had not copied it. Da Paz continued drawing most of his life, teaching himself and experimenting with drawing in many mediums, but never attempted to pick up a brush.

                 When Pedro began attending High school he signed up for an Architecture class. He became fascinated by the works of Frank Gehry and Frank Lloyd Wright, and decided he would pursue a career in Architecture. He began his architectural studies during his four years at Elizabeth High School and was given work at an engineering firm during his senior year in 1999, but after 3 years of collage Pedro became bored with his career and abandoned his dreams of becoming an architect. It was during this depressing time in 2003 that Pedro picked up his first paint brush and began his experimentations with acrylics.  Though completely self-taught, Da Paz has quickly developed his own technique and style. His explorations thus far have brought him through many diverse phases in his art. From portraitures, to still life and landscapes, to his abstract works, Da Paz never settles, and always looks to expand his abilities and explore his talents.  In 2005 he opened his online Gallery Dapazart.com and began showing his work to friends and family,  and in early 2007 Pedro finally decided he would begin exhibiting live in Galleries and show spaces, Which his done successfully since.