Experiencing Interruptions?

The Steel Garden

Tennessee outsider artist Billy Tripp has constructed a massive steel sculpture for the past 33 years, and is finally setting his sights on retirement. Former Brownsville native Randall Kendrick examines Tripp’s life and work as he builds one of the final pieces of his ever expanding sculpture, The Mindfield.

  • Randall Kendrick
    Director
  • Randall Kendrick
    Writer
  • Randall Kendrick
    Editor
  • Randall Kendrick
    Producer
  • Billy Tripp
    Producer
  • Billy Tripp
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Beth Tripp
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • David Livingston
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Hayden Hooper
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Documentary, Drama
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 27 minutes 42 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 29, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Randall Kendrick

Randall is an independent filmmaker living in Tennessee. After graduating in 2019 with a bachelor's in Journalism and Film, he worked odd day jobs to make a living, but in 2021, he decided to pursue a large film making project. He went to his home town of Brownsville and approached outsider artist Billy Tripp about making a documentary on his massive sculpture.

Randall spent three months interviewing various people connected to the sculpture and filmed Tripp's work on weekends until August 2022 when he began editing the film. His documentary on the subject, The Steel Garden, was completed in January 2023.

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Director Statement

Billy Tripp's work means more to me than I can briefly describe. I think what he has accomplished in his 67 years is incredible, and my goal with the documentary is to provide an accurate and thorough picture of him. He inspired me to pursue my dreams, and I hope that through this film that he inspires others as well.