(American/Alabama, 1904-1993)

American Flag (Pledge of Allegiance), 1991, signed "BF Perkins" and dated "7/3/91" left side, acrylic on wood, 13 x 15 in.

Provenance: Purchased directly from the artist the day the piece was made; By descent in the Gassenheimer family; Property from a Private Collector

Note: A remembrance from the consignor: I was a photographer for Reuters in Washington, DC when I met Pat Gallagher who was a videographer for cable TV. A mutual passion was folk art and together we embarked on a trip through the southeast to meet the prominent folk artists of the day. From this came a trove of black and white and color photographs, oral histories, video of artists at work, and a trailer for the documentary we’d started. Best of all we’re the friendships made and art purchased during this magical time.

Reverend Perkins was a military veteran, he was very patriotic and painted flags to show his devotion to his country. He graced the entrance to his property with them. Flags, crosses, and nautical symbols were his frequent icons. He lived in remote woods and the birds visited in flocks so he hung his painted gourds everywhere for them. A dynamic preacher, he was also a kind and generous man recognizing and celebrating the goodness he saw in the world. 

Sometimes B.F. Perkins painted outside on a picnic table but usually painted on his kitchen table. As with each of the outsider artists, creating was an every minute of every day experience. Reverend Perkins loved company and could paint and carry on a conversation at the same time.

glued to fiberboard backing, bumped and rough edges and corners, wear to wood, likely as made, some loss to paint, surface dirt/accretion