[1] She began studying this art form after learning about it from her mother, Patricia James-Perry (Aquinnah Wampanoag, born 1944), who specializes in scrimshaw.

[2][3] While traveling in Europe, she learned about colonists' mistaken belief that the paint on the Wampanoag clothing was, according to her, "fine lace on leather".

[2][1] She hand carved and polishes wampum beads because she wants wearers to "get a sense of being involved in the story of the piece", thus supporting Native American culture.

[8] In September 2023, she started two solo exhibits: Double Arrows at Tufts University and Seeping In at the Mead Art Museum.

[9][8] James-Perry has a degree in marine science from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and also works on ecological restoration projects, including the reintroduction of native plant life and participation in consultation processes.