About Backroads Traveler ™

Backroads Traveler™ is the on-line newsletter of The Backroads Press, which is owned solely by Stephen M. Perry, Wichita, Kansas. The Backroads Press was formed in January, 2005 with its concept dating back to 1996. All work, written and graphic, unless noted otherwise, is the property of Backroads Press. From time to time, Backroads Traveler will publish work by free-lance writers, photographers and artists through our free-lance writers and artists’ agreements. No portion of this web site, its articles, illustrations or concept may be used without the written consent of Stephen M. Perry or the individual writers and artists.

The goal of Backroads Press is to create quality writing, products and original fine art pieces that speak to the emotions of finding that beautiful, winding road that takes you past an old stone farmstead or weathered barn. Backroads Traveler is our creative writing showcase and the connection between the land and the art. Produced individually by hand on our Takach etching press, the original, limited edition landscape etchings are done in the manner of the old masters, with warm, black line work and tones, yet with sensitivity toward the environment by utilizing the new, non-toxic etching processes. The black and white etchings skip straight to the point of the subject without distraction of color interpretation, and as such, become a stronger statement of place. True, limited edition, fine art etchings are prized by collectors and will increase in value over the years.

The image of the company is based on the aesthetic of the scenic landscape and the lure of driving the backroads. Four primary areas of focus are emphasized. They are as follow:

• Travel writing that promotes driving the backroads and experiencing the natural scenic landscape.
• Publishing and marketing of materials that relate to traveling the backroads.
• Production and marketing of original fine art etchings, illustrations and products featuring original art.
• Promoting interest in traditional printmaking.

Backroads Press
P.O. Box 2882
Wichita, KS 67201
(316) 680-6445

Stephen M. Perry
Owner, Illustrator, artist, travel writer
(Contact Steve)

Steve Perry, Backroads Traveler

Stephen Perry, founder of The Backroads Press, has had an interest in the natural landscape his entire life. Growing up in Kansas, he was exposed to the varied scenery along the routes of his family’s summer vacations. His interest in drawing and illustration led him to a degree in Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University, located in Manhattan, Kansas and the scenic Flint Hills. When a decision on the focus for his senior project came along, it was only natural that the project was a character study of the Kansas Flint Hills, complete with illustrations, writing and photos. The Kansas Department of Economic Development offered to publish the study as promotional material for the Flint Hills region of Kansas. That publication, no longer in print, was the beginning of thirty-some years of illustration and design, much of it focused on that same region; a favorite place of Steve’s to find inspiration.

Steve’s working life has run full circle. After graduating from K-State and returning to hometown Wichita, he worked for a local landscape architecture and planning firm for four years before embarking on his own venture involving residential landscape architecture, illustration and design. During the next ten years, Steve produced landscape plans, marketed pen and ink illustrations and note cards, dabbled in silkscreen prints and attended many regional art fairs where he became known for his Flint Hills illustrations. As his kids grew, so did his need for a more stable financial situation. He was offered a head Landscape Architect position and eventual Executive Vice President in the Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture and Planning firm that is now McCluggage Van Sickle & Perry. Many local and regional buildings and landscape architecture projects reflect his design input and leadership, but through the years, his interest in illustration and travel has continued.

In 1996, Steve began formulating the concept for Backroads Press and its on-line newsletter, Backroads Traveler. By combining his interest in driving the two-lane roads, travel writing, art and illustration, Steve has developed a vehicle for taking him back to the starting point of his career. He is now a full-time artist and travel writer, developing a portfolio of limited edition, original landscape etchings and editing his travel newsletter of the backroads. Steve is literally following the road less-traveled and enjoying the ride! In the coming year, look for monthly issues of Backroads Traveler with articles covering some of the best of the Midwest scenic drives, guest articles from writers scattered across the country and the starting of a sales gallery of fine art etchings depicting the wonderful natural scenery to be found out on the road.

Steve and Nancy, his wife of 37 years, live in a restored home, built in 1918, overlooking a historic park along the Little Arkansas River in Wichita. Their two children are grown and successful in their own professions. Steve’s interest is to pass on his love of the natural, scenic countryside, the old rural architecture of days gone by and the disappearing enjoyment of pleasure driving while, at the same time, pursuing the pastimes that give him fulfillment and enjoyment. You are invited to travel along with them and share the ride.