Jon Barlow Hudson (b.1945)
Uncarved Block VT: Tai Chi (2010)
Medium: White Vermont marble, mounted on a Canadian pink granite erratic
Dimensions: 27" x 28" x 40"
Location: Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion, Serenity Garden
About the Artwork
At the heart of the Serenity Garden at Summa’s Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion, a nearly one-ton block of white Vermont marble balances delicately on one of its corners. Hollowed at its center and softened by undulating surfaces, the sculpture captures light and shadow in a continuous interplay, shifting with the time of day. Despite its mass, the form appears to hover—spinning lightly en pointe, like a dancer suspended in motion.
Jon Barlow Hudson, an internationally recognized sculptor, has explored the “uncarved block” concept for decades. His interest in this form began during his time in Italy, where he studied traditional marble carving. The marble in this particular piece, however, is of North American origin, quarried in Vermont. It rests on a pink granite base—split from an ancient glacial erratic that traveled from the Canadian Shield to southwestern Ohio over millions of years. This combination of materials brings together geological forces spanning vast distances and time periods.
Beyond the physical and engineering challenges of balancing such a weight on a single point, Hudson’s work is rooted in deeper philosophies. He describes his artistic process as emerging from “the void from which all form emanates,” drawing inspiration from Zen Buddhism, mythology, and the rhythms of the natural world. As a longtime practitioner of Tai Chi, he channels its principles of balance and flow into his sculpture, creating a sense of harmony between stillness and motion.
While the sculpture invites broad interpretation, its presence encourages contemplation. Observers may step close to trace the fine, deliberate marks left from the carving process—subtle reminders of the artist’s hand at work. Hudson used a progression of techniques, from large cutting tools to fine diamond polishing pads, refining the surface while preserving its raw energy. Many of these tools have remained unchanged for centuries, reinforcing the connection between past and present, tradition and innovation.
About the Artist
Jon Barlow Hudson’s journey as a sculptor has taken him around the world. After studying at the Dayton Art Institute, the Stuttgart State Art Academy in Germany, and earning his B.F.A. and M.F.A. from CalArts, he honed his craft through international residencies and commissions. A recipient of a Fulbright-sponsored award to study marble and bronze sculpture in Italy, Hudson has since created site-specific works in more than 20 countries.
His sculptures can be found in landmark locations such as the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in New Mexico, the World Expo in Brisbane, and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. With over 22 sculptures in China alone, his impact extends across continents. Closer to home, his work is part of the public landscape in Ohio, including Eidolon at Central State University, The Common Good in Dayton’s Cooper Park, and The Tree of Knowledge at the Yellow Springs Public Library.
Explore More
Hudson’s website offers insights into his creative process, reflections on his work, and a comprehensive overview of his sculptures worldwide. His portfolio showcases a deep engagement with form, material, and meaning—inviting viewers to experience art as both a physical presence and a space for contemplation.