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Year Created

2024

Year Acquired

2024

Surfaces

Metal

Cultures

Canadian

Art Forms

Public art

Transformation

by: Jean Hudson


Transformation is an art sculpture consisting of 12 pieces representing ferns and fiddleheads created with iron pipe and plate steel finished with bright colours. There are four fiddleheads, four ferns in a partially unfurled state, and 4 fully unfurled ferns. The pieces are installed near the entrance of the Centre for Hope and Harmony with several of the pieces being 7’ tall so they are visible above snow banks and provide a punch of colour year round . The colours were inspired by a photo of the water and sky of the Listuguj (Restigouche River) and the connection to water which is all cleansing and the giver of life.

The concept of Transformation is the fiddlehead plants slowly unfurling their fronds, and in addiction and mental health recovery individuals gradually unfolding their potential as they work through challenges, addressing underlying issues and developing healthier coping mechanisms. In their coiled state the fiddleheads represent struggles, while mid growth and unfurled ferns represent the journey of healing and personal growth.

Inspirational in the creation of Transformation was how meaningful fiddleheads are to New Brunswickers, especially in the Restigouche region where Tide Head is considered the fiddlehead capital of the world.

Some of the densest populations of the green curly delicacy in all of Canada are found in New Brunswick and fiddleheads are known to be a traditional food source of the Indigenous people. The image of the fiddlehead is also the symbol used on the road signage of the scenic drive along the Wolastoq (Saint John River) signifying its prominence.

Small jean hudson Jean Hudson

Jean Hudson creates large art pieces, along with her partner Jack, in the peacefulness of their gardens in Prince William, near Fredericton, NB. With sculptures in corporate offices, private collections, and on public display, she gathers creativity from the nature that surrounds her and from salvaged items. Seeing thrown away items in an imaginative way, and having observers of her sculptures seek thought about our discard culture and re-evaluate how they contend with their contribution of used items to our environment, is her inspiration for her art. Her passion for a better planet runs deep in her soul. 

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