B. F. Perkins – The Evangelist Artist Who Painted His Faith and Patriotism

The life and art of B. F. Perkins tell a remarkable story of transformation, devotion, and expression. Born Benjamin Franklin Perkins in 1904 in Vernon, Alabama, his journey was anything but ordinary. Known to many as "Brother Ben," he was a man of conviction, with a soul dedicated to preaching and painting, faith and freedom. His art is more than color on canvas—it’s a deep, personal message about life, God, and the values he held sacred.

At Marcia Weber Art Objects, we are honored to preserve and showcase the works of this extraordinary self-taught artist. His creations stand as a testament to a life well-lived, filled with experience, hardship, transformation, and divine inspiration.

A Life Lived on the Move

B. F. Perkins had an adventurous start to his life. Eager to see the world, he joined the merchant marines by lying about his age. That decision took him across 28 countries, opening his eyes to different cultures and spiritual experiences. He later served as a U.S. Marine, working as part of the security detail for the White House during President Calvin Coolidge’s administration. Some of his government work remained confidential, and he rarely spoke of it again.

While serving abroad, Perkins experienced a spiritual awakening that eventually led him to Christianity. His new path as an evangelist brought him back to the United States, where he began preaching revivals and spreading his faith across the country.

Personal Hardships and Return to Alabama

Perkins’ personal life was equally complex. After marrying in 1936 and having two daughters, his wife unexpectedly left the family. Determined and resilient, Perkins raised his daughters alone in Washington D.C. while continuing his government job. This phase of his life was a blend of duty, discipline, and deepening faith.

In 1969, B. F. Perkins made the pivotal decision to return to his roots in Alabama. Settling on a 5-acre plot in Bankston, near his birthplace, he built a church, a meeting hall, and a modest home studio. It was here that his journey as a visual artist began—a journey that was deeply intertwined with his faith and patriotism.

The Birth of an Outsider Artist

With a strong belief in freedom of expression, Perkins began decorating his environment in vivid patterns of red, white, and blue. A replica of Christ’s tomb stood near the entrance of his property, surrounded by painted concrete walls and patriotic symbols. The entire space was a physical manifestation of his beliefs—a sacred landscape crafted by his own hands.

His early art was environmental—signs, symbols, and messages covering every surface. Soon, he moved from decorating spaces to creating canvases that echoed the same themes. He painted in acrylics on canvas, wood, and found objects, often combining biblical imagery with patriotic symbols. Every piece had meaning. As he said at 87, “If art don’t tell me anything, it’s not art.”

Artistic Philosophy and Style

B. F. Perkins was never formally trained as an artist, yet his works are rich in symbolism, sincerity, and vision. In 1977, after undergoing open-heart surgery, he enrolled in an art course at a local community college. Thankfully, he was allowed to paint in his own style—uninhibited and expressive. This freedom allowed him to channel his life experiences and evangelical mission into each brushstroke.

His artworks often included handwritten messages, biblical phrases, or moral teachings. They were not simply decorative but deeply personal—visual sermons intended to awaken, inspire, or guide the viewer. His color palette was bold, often dominated by the American flag's trio of red, white, and blue. His compositions merged religious intensity with national pride, making his work distinctly American yet spiritually universal.

Later Years and Legacy

In the early 1990s, Perkins faced declining health after suffering a second heart attack. Despite moving into a managed care facility, he continued to return to his old studio, preach on Sundays, and create new works. One of his final projects was painting ten large tree trunk sections with his “Ten Commandments for Successful Daily Living”—a powerful culmination of his life’s philosophy and artistic journey.

B. F. Perkins passed away on January 12, 1993, at the age of 88. Sadly, within months of his passing, his home and studio were vandalized, stripped of his work, and ultimately burned to the ground. Though the physical space he built was lost, his spirit lives on through his paintings, which are now held in important private and public art collections around the world.

Perkins at Marcia Weber Art Objects

At Marcia Weber Art Objects, we are proud to feature the works of B. F. Perkins, ensuring that his message continues to reach new audiences. Each piece in our collection offers a glimpse into his soul—a blend of storytelling, scripture, and patriotism.

As part of the broader outsider art movement, Perkins stands among great self-taught visionaries. His life proves that art does not need formal education or urban galleries to be powerful; it needs honesty, purpose, and a heart willing to speak through color and canvas.

Why Collect B. F. Perkins?

Authenticity: Every piece carries a real message from a man of faith and conviction.

Cultural Relevance: His work captures the essence of Southern spirituality and American identity.

Outsider Art Legacy: Perkins' work is part of a growing movement that values vision over training.

Limited Availability: With his studio destroyed, remaining works are rare and highly collectible.

Conclusion

The life and art of B. F. Perkins are powerful reminders of how art can be a vessel for belief, resilience, and memory. From traveling the world as a seaman to preaching in rural Alabama, from guarding the White House to painting messages of divine hope—his journey is a story worth preserving.

Though his physical environment may be gone, the spiritual environment he created through his paintings lives on. Today, collectors, curators, and lovers of outsider art continue to discover and appreciate the raw power and vision in his work.

At Marcia Weber Art Objects, we invite you to explore his legacy and experience the heartfelt artistry of B. F. Perkins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who was B. F. Perkins?

A: B. F. Perkins, or Benjamin Franklin Perkins, was a self-taught American artist and evangelist born in Alabama in 1904. Known for his patriotic and religious artwork, he created an artistic environment and numerous paintings filled with spiritual and moral messages.

Q2: What makes B. F. Perkins an outsider artist?

A: He had no formal art training and developed his unique style independently. His art was deeply personal and spiritual, aligning with the qualities of outsider or visionary art.

Q3: Where can I view or purchase his work?

A: You can view and purchase original works by B. F. Perkins at Marcia Weber Art Objects, a gallery specializing in self-taught and outsider artists.

Q4: Are B. F. Perkins’ works found in museums?

A: Yes, his paintings are part of important private and public collections globally, including exhibitions focused on American outsider and visionary art.

Q5: What themes did Perkins explore in his art?

A: His art focused on Christianity, morality, patriotism, and personal experiences. Many works include hand-painted text with spiritual or inspirational messages.