The Story of a Self-Taught Painter – B. F. Perkins

Arts by B. F. Perkins, People often view art as part of human life and artists as having an ability to convey feelings, narrate memories, and communicate their sensitivity. As a self-taught artist, B. F. Perkins created art as a process that he wanted to inspire and to help others make this a better world.

Early Life and Inspiration

 

B. F. Perkins grew up in a simple farming community in rural Alabama without much education. Formal education, was a privilege that few could undertake.   He longed to see the whole world and found a way to join the Merchant Marines before he was of legal age to do so.  He sailed to 28 countries as a Merchant Marine.  Eventually he returned to the United States where he settled down and joined the U.S. Marines.  As a Marine he traveled widely and after several years became part of the security force protecting President Coolidge of the United States.  On one of his missions abroad, he was converted to Christianity and aspired to become an evangelist.

 

Life's Path

 

He married and reared his two daughters in the Washington D C area, after his wife left them. When his daughters were adults, he retired from the U. S. Marines and moved back home to Alabama.  On ten acres of land, he built a church and a home that also became his art studio.  He supported youngsters from his community to attend a college nearby and took a few classes there.  This is when he began to paint. Eventually he began to paint memories and especially his religious and patriotic messages trying to inspire changing the world for the better. These images held his personal messages, and touched viewers emotionally.

 

Breakthrough and Recognition

 

Perkins' art was brought to public attention when it was shown at a community center art show. The expressiveness of Perkins' art works and the delightful kind man that he was, caused instant fascination. As his audience grew so did the invitations to exhibit his art. He received invitations to show in other cities and was a guest folk artist at large art fairs. His rare art became avidly sought by many serious collectors of folk and self taught art. Museum exhibitions started featuring his work and it was shown and sold in a number of galleries.

 

 Artistic Style and Themes

 

 Perkins filled his environment and home with many patterns and signs in red, white and blue. These themes and mottos that filled the walls of his studio home became the subjects for many of his paintings, often repeating the themes using mostly acrylic on canvas, wood, gourds or found objects.  He loved to paint and loved to preach and did both of these activities routinely until his death at age 88 in 1993.

 

 Legacy and Impact

 

The inspirational story of his art journey is an example to all artists.  Specifically, in analyzing Perkins' story it can be said that in today’s contemporary society passion, dedication, and perseverance can help  individuals overcome all the obstacles that prevent them from becoming successful. Perkins' achievements testify to his drive for experiencing a full life that inspired and informed his creativity.

 

Conclusion

 

The transformed journey of B. F. Perkins from a man who never had training in art to become a superstar artist in the last years of his long life, is an inspiring tale of courage and creativity. With sheer hard work and an iron-willed personality, he has set an example for other artists to follow in the world of art.