Benjamin Franklin Perkins (b.1904 / d.1993)

In Vernon, Alabama Perkins was born on February 6, 1904. Perkins became affectionately called "Brother Ben."

Perkins was a part of the Marines and the Marine Corps. He was stationed to protect President Coolidge. His government and security detail career was a mysterious one. On one of his missions abroad, Perkins converted to Christianity and eventually became an evangelist who traveled and preached throughout the United States.

In 1936, Perkins married and then became a father of two daughters. His wife left one day when is wife left, Perkins had sole custody of his young children and raised the girls in the Washington D.C. area while working for the government.

In 1979, Perkins returned to Alabama. He started painting near his birthplace on his five acre property. At a local junior college, Perkins took an art course and discovered his passion for art.

Filled with patriotic flags, patterns and red, white and blue signs, Perkins decorated his studio. Fueled with religious beliefs, he painted three main themes stories from the Bible, religious or patriotic scenes and slogans, and quirky objects found in King Tut's tomb at the turn of the Century such as the Sacred Condor and Love Birds, all works where in bold and bright colors.

Perkins spent his life doing his two favorite things: preaching on Sundays and painting on the weekdays. His collections can be seen through out the world.

B.F. Perkins died from his third heart-attack on January 12, 1933.

Sources Include:
www.marciaweberartobjects.com
www.redkettle.com