Born in Tarrytown Heights, New York, Kent sought adventure in remote parts of Alaska, Greenland and New Foundland. He studied art at Columbia University with William Merritt Chase and Kenneth Hayes Miller. Kent wrote and illustrated many books with his woodcuts and woodengravings.

A leading figure of America's left, Kent was very popular and well collected in the former Soviet Union. His wood engravings depict a stylized and idealized art deco image of man.