Billy lived by himself in a room fashioned above his shop and began making yard art from the scraps of metal left over from his job sites. Then, in 1989, he was grabbed by the idea of combining his initial work and creating a sculpture that would continue to grow until he was no longer able to work. This notion was prompted by the work of Simon Rodia, who spent thirty years working on the famed Watts Towers sculpture in Los Angeles. Like Rodia, Tripp works solely by himself and is entirely self-financed. Originally Tripp envisioned The Mindfield as a cathedral, creating the tallest structure in homage to his dad. As the work evolved, Billy began to see the superstructure of a giant ship take form. Last year’s addition of the aluminum canoe William Least Heat Moon used during part of the journey chronicled in his book River Horse helps to affirm the notion of a vessel within a vessel. The larger craft will carry him to the other world where the canoe will allow him to land at the chosen destination. The Mindfield sculpture is an intricate blend of structural framework embellished with adornments fashioned by the artist. He uses the decorative elements to honor his parents; his wife, Beth; and other notables in his life, and to promote the ideals that are most important to him. The preponderance of hand and foot silhouettes
“
interspaced throughout symbolizes the tools and toils of work and the long, slow walk through life. Tripp prides himself on being an environmentalist and a pragmatist, using only preexisting metalwork. Throughout our lives we build our careers, form our relationships. The harder we work, the more we succeed. Billy’s art is a perfect example of what one person’s grit and determination can achieve. Go to Brownsville. Be prepared to be amazed, and while you are there imagine what you could do if only you put your mind to it. The Mindfield is located at 1 Mindfield Alley, Brownsville, TN 38012. For more information visit: www.sites.google.com/site/billytripp.
The Mindfield has put Brownsville on the international map. Billy continues to add and adapt his art, all the while drawing residents and visitors alike to his unique approach to sculpture. – Jo Matherne, Mayor, Brownsville, Tennessee
”
NashvilleArts.com
June 2O13 | 43