Coming from a family of builders, craftsmen and engineers, Dominic Paiva believes he has always had an innate ability in art and design.

He decided to follow in the family’s tradition when he studied architecture at Rhode Island School of Design, during which time he was able to show his architectural work in a couple of galleries in Providence, R.I.

Now Mr Paiva is ready to show his talents to art lovers in Bermuda. His exhibit ‘Design Works’ includes 14 pieces of architectural drawings, now on display in Bermuda Society of Arts in City Hall.

“Art was a subject I always excelled at,” he said.

“My parents are both creative people and artistically talented, and for at least four generations before me, my family have been creative builders, craftsmen and engineers.”

He said he likes working in various creative mediums, but his favourites are the traditional ones (like photography), which he mixes with electronic/digital mediums.

So far he said the feedback has been extremely positive.

“Many people have complimented the works and a few pieces have already been sold,” he said.

“What’s rewarding about this positive reaction to my work is knowing that it makes people happy, and the opportunity there is to create relationships.

“I’m glad that people like my work enough to want to own it and display it in their homes and even become patrons.”

He hopes people will leave the gallery after seeing his work and feel inspired.

He also wants it to be seen as something new and innovative, with the theme of the show being the relationship/juxtaposition of man-made & natural.

Mr Paiva said although he studied architecture, he would love to have a full-time career in art.

His next step as an artist is to work with those who enjoyed the show and who liked his work in order to translate designs and drawings into tangible built objects and environments.

‘Design Works’ will be on exhibit at BSOA in Studio B until Wednesday.