Carl Pao was born and raised in Kailua on the island of O‘ahu and, in 1994, graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Furthering his study in Auckland, Aotearoa, Pao earned his Masters in Fine Arts from Elam School of Fine Arts and also came to realize the strength and validity that exists in the artistic expressions of indigenous peoples. He hopes his work will speak to people on many different levels, allowing room for others to draw their own conclusions while appreciating the statement he makes as an artist.