James Rizzi | N.Y. pop artist, 61

James Rizzi, 61, a New York-born and -based pop artist best known for his playful and childlike three-dimensional sculptures, died peacefully at his studio in New York's SoHo district Monday. No cause of death was given.

He was born in Brooklyn and studied art at the University of Florida. He returned to New York in 1974 and first made his name as a street artist.

He became known for his bright, cartoonlike drawings and 3-D constructions. Mr. Rizzi developed a large international following, especially in Germany. - AP