Wildman - Metal Spiked Head Bust, Trinity, TX
I got a
chance to meet Jim Robertson when I passed through Trinity Texas on my way down
to Houston from Dallas. It was one of my many distractions that take me a
little off course with my Roadside America app. I guess I looked a little suspicious
taking photos of this 22 foot tall metal head resembling something from the
Pinhead movie. (Jim told me later that it was modeled after a mask and costume
of a Wildman in 18th century Germany used to fight a wild bear in
the ring). It’s a local landmark in Trinity right off of FM 365. The original
costume had wooden spikes but Jim’s has over 1000+ metal railroad spikes that
he says he collects along the local tracks. It wasn’t until I started taking
pictures of his artwork through the iron gate that surrounds his workshop did
Jim come out to greet me. He invited me in and I got to take some pictures up
close of his fantastic metal sculptures inside and out of his studio including
his entry into the Houston Art Car Parade, the Jet Car.
Jim is a
teacher as well as an artist, having taught at Lonestar College before retiring
and opening up this unique studio in Trinity. Jim and I locked up only to
reopen as he forgot to turn on the large glowing eyes in the Wildman.
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