James Stewart Perry

James Stewart Perry (November 20, 1947, in New York City) is a former sculptor whose works appeared in the Whitney Biennial and who resides in Princeton, New Jersey. He served as a graphics editor for The New York Times for over 25 years, until his retirement in June, 2008. His news graphics appeared prominently in the newspaper throughout his tenure, and chronicled prominent events both inside the United States and abroad.

History

Early Life and Childhood

Perry was born on November 20, 1947, in New York City. He was raised in Manhattan until his family moved to Erwinna, a small town in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, when he was three. He remained there for the duration of his childhood, spending each summer vacationing in Maine.

Perry attended the Solebury School in Bucks County as a high school student. He transferred to a neighboring high school, Palisades High School, and graduated in 1966.

College Years

Perry enrolled in college at New York University, at the suggestion of his father, a professor there. After several months, he found the school an improper fit, and transferred to University of North Carolina. Perry later transferred to Bard College, where he received his BFA in 1971.

Life as an Artist

After graduating from Bard, Perry moved to New York City, where he lived in a loft apartment on 26th Street. While aspiring towards an art career, he supported himself financially as a carpenter. While life as a sculptor was difficult, he had several big breaks, including placement in the Whitney Biennial exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Other of his works are held in private collections.

Family

Perry's parents were Robert Perry, a Professor of Religion at New York University, and his mother, Mary Stewart Perry, a professional cartoonist and sister of actor Jimmy Stewart. Perry has three brothers, of whom he is the second oldest. His brothers are David, the oldest; Ethan, the second youngest; and Jason, the yongest. James Perry lives in Princeton, New Jersey, with his wife, Hetty, and his two sons, Christian and Alex.

Interests and Hobbies

For the majority of his life, Perry has played guitar and clawhammer banjo. He studied with well-known folk musician Ken Perlman, and plays a mix of old time and Celtic music styles.

Perry also is a long-term amateur woodworker, having designed and constructed multiple pieces displayed in his house.