Artist Statement
Metal is my muse and lighting is my life.
We live in an industrial world and in this world often things are discarded for something new and
improved. This is where I come in. I often seek inspiration in recycled materials. I visit scrap metal
yards and look for discarded treasures. Whether it be an old aluminum fan blade, a set of kitchen
utensils or perhaps a piece of an automobile, I will find a way to light it up and make it come to life.
By combining the natural qualities of light and shadow with the strength and harshness of raw metal,
unique sculptures are formed.
As a lighting sculptor, I utilize primarily aluminum, stainless steel, recycled materials, found objects
and industrial scrap metal in my lighting structures.
Within the walls of my workshop, each design is created and evolved. My process begins not from
initial design sketches, but from looking at the materials that I have available and pulling out of each
item its true potential as opposed to covering it up. Every piece of metal I find or object I
manipulate has the potential to become something wonderful. This hands-on process allows me
to sculpt each piece until it becomes a completed Structure of Light.
About the Artist
Considered by many to be an Artisan of Light, designer Robert
Perry has spent years earning his living as an award winning theatrical
lighting designer. In the Spring of 2002, Robert incorporated the
skills that he learned in the theatrical world and formed the design
company “Structures of Light” in the Greenwich Village section of
New York City. By combining the creativity of sculpture and the
beautiful effects of light and shadow, Robert is dedicated to
creating unique handcrafted lighting sculptures and fixtures. His
designs not only convey a sense of rawness and strength, but also of
passion, honesty and humor.
Robert recently relocated his lighting studio to the artistic community of Miami where he lives with his wife,
Cindy and their son, Jack.
Education
Master of Fine Arts Yale University
Bachelor of Fine Arts North Carolina School of the Arts
Memberships
American Craft Council - Professional Member
NAIA - National Association of Independent Artists
PAVA - Professional Association of Visual Artists
Florida Craftsmen - Professional Gallery Artist
United Scenic Artists Local #829
Design Awards
Best of Show Fine Craft Easton Art Affair (2006)
Juror's Merit Award Three Rivers Arts Festival (2006)
Arthur L. Johnson Excellence Award Detroit Festival of the Arts (2006)
Award of Merit PAVA Out of the Blue Festival of Art (2006)
Award of Distinction SunFest (2006)
3rd Place in Sculpture Melbourne Art Festival (2006)
1st Place in 3-Dimensional Work Clearwater Fine Arts Festival (2005)
Award of Excellence - Mixed Media Beaux Arts Festival of Art (2005)
Award of Distinction Naples National Art Festival (2005)
Grand Prize Art in the Tropics (2005)
2nd Place in 3-Dimensional Work Saturday & Sunday in the Park with Art (2005)
Award of Distinction SunFest (2005)
Festival Judges' Award Bartow Bloomin' Arts Festival (2005)
Honorable Mention Award Mayfaire by-the-Lake (2005)
2nd Place - "ANATOMY" sculpture Lake Mary-Heathrow Festival of the Arts (2004)
Theatrical Lighting Awards
1999 Drama Desk Award nomination "The Water Engine" Atlantic Theater Co., NYC
2001 Dean Goodman Choice Award "The Skin of Our Teeth" California Shakespeare Festival
2002 Jeffery Award nomination "Love's Labor's Lost" Chicago Shakespeare Theater
2002 AUDELCO Award "Crowns" 2nd Stage, NYC
