Meet Toru Oba, a 79-year-old Japanese stonemason and sculptor whose monumental works grace Charlottesville’s Ix Art Park and McGuffey Art Center. Oba’s journey from crafting patios and chimneys to creating massive public sculptures began with a transformative project for Dave Matthews Band saxophonist LeRoi Moore, who encouraged him to infuse artistry into his masonry. Now, Oba’s improvisational approach allows the natural form of each stone to guide his creations, resulting in pieces that invite public interaction and contemplation. Despite the physical demands of his craft, Oba remains dedicated, stating, “I just keep doing it.”
