Jonathan Perry

Traditional singer, dancer, speaker and carver, Jonathan Perry is grounded in the traditions of his ocean-going ancestors. He considers designs by examining the raw materials closely, and draws his images from the grain, hues, and patina of wood, stone and copper. Jonathan enjoys using the materials and knowledge handed down from his ancestors to express his understanding of the natural world as well as the changes over time since Creation. His mentors, like the late Nanepashemet (Tony Pollard) of the Wampanoag Nation, have taught him to observe and take special care when handling these materials, and breathing life into his pieces of art. Jonathan’s work embodies the refined quality of those of his ancestors, while still drawing upon his experience in a contemporary society. His pieces reflect balance within the Natural World, incorporating stories, effigies, and symbology of Wampanoag traditions.

Jonathan is influenced by his time spent on the ocean, something very close to him, being from an island Native community. One defining moment has been when Jonathan witnessed a basking whale off the cliffs of Aquinnah, MA on his home island of Martha’s Vineyard. These whale images have since appeared in many of his pieces. Jonathan continues to use the materials and knowledge handed down from his ancestors to express his understanding of the Natural World and the change that it has experienced in the past four hundred years. Jonathan’s three dimensional artwork ranges in size from large, hand-carved dugout ocean vessels, to stone effigy pipes and high-end copper jewelry.

An articulate and thoughtful speaker, he has lectured on the topics of Eastern Woodland art and traditions for over 15 years at both regional and national venues and his performing arts career has spanned over 25 years. These venues have included the Peabody Essex Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, Harvard College and Brown University.

In his personal time, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his family and participating in cultural activities in the Native community.