U San Pe was a skilled artist who worked in a variety of media. He was conceived on April 30, 1918, in Taunggyi. He completed a month-long correspondence study with a Pyinmanar art school in 1934. He was assigned to learn sculpture by renowned artists in the Nyaung Shwe neighborhood. He also acquired skills in metal, wood, and stone sculpture.

U San Pe then resumed his painting studies under U Ngwe Gaing in 1937. He assisted British sculptor Mr. Copnell in casting the Bogyoke Aung San bronze statue. U San Pe died on June 7, 1977, as the government was preparing to award him the Independence Archive award.