Available for purchase is a large hand-painted gourd by Outsider artist Reverend Benjamin Franklin "B. F." Perkins (1904-1993). Reverend Perkins was a self-taught Alabama folk artist, who painted on board, canvas, and gourds. His paintings almost always had a patriotic theme that incorporated the American flag, the Statue of Liberty, and sometimes religious inscriptions. Born into poverty, Perkins joined the Merchant Marines at an early age and served in the Marine Corps from 1921 to 1925. He also served on a security detail for President Calvin Coolidge and worked for the FBI. He became a minister in 1929 and eventually rose to the rank of Bishop in the Church of God. After retiring in 1979, he enrolled in an art course at a junior college in Bankston, Alabama, where he began to paint colorful compositions. This particular painting is acrylic on a large gourd that measures approximately 11 1/2" tall (not including handle) and 11 3/4" wide. It's painted in his characteristic red, white, and blue colors. The depictions on the gourd include the Statue of Liberty, the American flag, and the Equinox. He lists the solar year as 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45 7/10 seconds, which is the exact amount of time between two successive occurrences of the vernal equinox. The image is signed "B. F. Perkins" to the left side of the American flag. The hanger on top is made from electrical wire, typical of his works. I purchased this gourd at a recent estate sale. It is guaranteed to be an original B.F. Perkins piece. Please check my positive feedback and buy with confidence from a trusted seller. Condition of this B. F. Perkins painted gourd is EXCELLENT. The colors are bright and the paint shows very little wear. The original hanger is intact. Please take a close look at the many photos I've provided and judge condition for yourself. I'm confident you'll be very pleased with this purchase. If you collect outsider or folk art, particularly pieces by B. F. Perkins, don't miss your opportunity to purchase this offering. This unique piece is a classic example of his work and painted on a larger gourd than many of his works. Since Reverend Perkins passed away more than 30 years ago, his artwork is becoming hard to find. My BUY IT NOW price of only $299 is a bargain for this piece. I've seen his gourds sell for up to $700. So, buy this piece now before someone else beats you to the deal! While you're here, please check out my other listings by clicking on the link below. Whenever possible, I'll be happy to reduce shipping for combined purchases. See my other listings for more great items! |