It seems to be a reoccurring theme among visitors to our community. Everyone loves the "Mindfield." The 75-foot (and growing) sculpture seems to draw rave review from everyone but local folks. It's been a subject of controversy since it began in 1989.
Is it art? Depends on who you ask. Dictionary.com defines art as “the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.” Even if you don’t think it’s beautiful or appealing, you can’t deny that it is “of more than ordinary significance.”
There are many elements in the Mindfield that are whimsical and fun and do bring back memories of the past. Did you know that some of the steel in the sculpture was salvaged from the old Ritz Theater? And we all know the fire tower came from the wildlife reserve. I climbed it once - back in the early 90s, while it was still at its location on Marvin Chapel Road. I can’t remember who our groups escort was, but I do remember it being a long and tiring climb to the top and the view was spectacular. I like being reminded of that day when I see that old tower sitting down on Main Street. Another part of Haywood County history preserved.
Billy says the work in progress represents events in his life. David Lubin, who visited Brownsville this weekend for the first time since 1962, compared it to the Watts Tower in Los Angeles and went as far as to say that he believed it to be a more substantial piece of artwork. This observation comes from a man who spent his career as an art director for the film industry.
There are many elements in the Mindfield that are whimsical and fun and do bring back memories of the past. Did you know that some of the steel in the sculpture was salvaged from the old Ritz Theater? And we all know the fire tower came from the wildlife reserve. I climbed it once - back in the early 90s, while it was still at its location on Marvin Chapel Road. I can’t remember who our groups escort was, but I do remember it being a long and tiring climb to the top and the view was spectacular. I like being reminded of that day when I see that old tower sitting down on Main Street. Another part of Haywood County history preserved.
Billy says the work in progress represents events in his life. David Lubin, who visited Brownsville this weekend for the first time since 1962, compared it to the Watts Tower in Los Angeles and went as far as to say that he believed it to be a more substantial piece of artwork. This observation comes from a man who spent his career as an art director for the film industry.
Regardless, the fact remains that visitors (read: tourist) love the Mindfield.
Do we spend so much time with this “artwork” each day that we have missed the possibilities it offers our community?
How much do you really know about "The Mindfield?" Learn more at http://billytripp.googlepages.com/.
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