Jud Turner is a sculptor whose work transforms industrial materials and discarded objects into evocative, finely crafted forms that explore the intersection of nature, memory, and the built environment. Working primarily in steel and reclaimed mechanical components, Turner creates sculptures that feel both ancient and futuristic—artifacts of an imagined world shaped by human ingenuity and natural forces.

For more than three decades, Turner has incorporated found objects into his work, drawing on their history, texture, and inherent character. His sculptures often merge organic subjects – often animals —with architectural and mechanical elements, creating hybrid forms that speak to cycles of life, industry, and environmental change. This ongoing exploration reflects a deep engagement with the landscapes and cultural identity of the Pacific Northwest.

Turner’s practice also includes a long-standing investigation into miniature architecture, which he has pursued for over fifteen years. These detailed constructions inform his larger sculptural works, where structural rhythm, balance, and narrative layering play a central role. His ability to scale ideas from intimate to monumental has made his work particularly well-suited for public art.

His sculptures range from small, intricate assemblages to large-scale public installations, and have been exhibited in galleries and outdoor spaces across the United States. In public settings, Turner’s work aims to create meaningful connections between people and place—inviting viewers to reflect on shared histories, local ecosystems, and the evolving relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Turner lives and works in Eugene, Oregon, where he continues to develop new bodies of work that push the boundaries of material, form, and storytelling. His wife Renee Mahni is also a sculptor, and together they operate The Oblivion Gallery, which is next door to their studio, The Oblivion Factory. They share their lives with many animals – 2 pigs, 6 rabbits and 5 cats. They are practicing Buddhists and love to explore Oregon when not in the studio.