Jud Turner (@judturner)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Jud from @judturner and talk a little shop.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!
If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@
 |
Name: Jud Turner
Business Name: Jud Turner, Sculptor LLC
Location: Eugene, OR
Website: https://judturner.com
YouTube: The Oblivion Factory
Specialties: Sculptures using dynamic realism, found objects, repurposed
materials, and new steel |
|
Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I have always been an artist, drawing and building forts as a kid, then later skateboard ramps. For the past 25 years I've been using welded steel and found objects to create sculptures which are in public and private collections around the world. I find inspiration in the natural world, and also resonate with the way the built industrial world looks and shapes our day to day realities.
|
 |
 |
What keeps you motivated throughout the day? I'm always looking to grow and improve my ability to express ideas and visions in the physical world of steel and found objects. Art is how I interface with my community, and it's a blessing to be able to make my living making sculptures. I never quite meet my own expectations, so I'm constantly in pursuit of a goal I will never actually attain, and it's exhilarating. |
|
What is your favorite shop tool and why? I really enjoy the oxy/acetylene torch! Fire is very exciting to humans and I'm no exception – the pop of the acetylene when you hit the striker never gets old. I don't use it as much as I once did – for years, early in my welding career, it was the only welding tool I had access to, so I got very good at building with it. |
 |
 |
What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? I don't really have favorites, but it's usually whatever I'm working on at the moment. One of my current projects is a public art commission for the City of Wenatchee, Washington and the Wenatchi Tribal Council to do a horse and rider out of found objects which commemorates their last Chief, John Harmelt. The horse is now completed, and I'll build the rider over the next year for installation in Spring 2025: |
|
If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that? I already have my dream job, making sculptures full time. I just need to stay healthy, sane and productive in order to share my art with the world. |
 |
 |
What BA product is your favorite and why?
I really like the BA Face shield for grinding and cutting metal. It fits well, and gives full face protection and clear vision of the work in front of me:
|
|
What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
The BA Flap grinding discs are a favorite, and the price beats many other brands. They last a long time and are a tool I use every day!
|
 |
 |
What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?
No particular tips or tricks I can recommend – just work hard at what you love and the rest will fall into place.
|
|
If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
My wife Renee is a sculptor as well, and we share the studio. We occasionally collaborate on projects, and often give each other feedback. She has a great eye for the anatomy of animals and doesn't hesitate to tell me when I've missed the mark.
|
|
 |
Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Follow what you are excited about doing, and draw inspiration from others but seek your own path forward.
|
|
What are your future plans for your shop?
More public art projects, hoping to build a larger than life Bison for a midwest state soon.
|
|
A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Jud! These sculptures of yours are beautifully done and we look forward to seeing the completion of the Chief!