architectural wall sculptures
Dean Jackson’s Walls of the World series features architectural wall sculptures that capture the weathered beauty of timeworn surfaces. Each piece is an exploration of texture, colour, and memory — art inspired by architecture and by the stories held in the walls of places around the world.
An avid traveller, Dean finds inspiration in surfaces that tell a story. Walls of the World is an ongoing collection of shallow-relief sculptures depicting character walls from towns and cities across the globe. Each work reflects the spirit of its place — its history, culture, and the quiet passage of time. These wall sculptures celebrate the charm and elegance of historic architecture, the patina of age and nature, and the enduring appeal of travel and discovery.
The Story: art inspired by Memories
Jackson began the series in 1986 as a way to represent memorable places from his travels. The idea was to capture the spirit of an entire town or city in a single artwork — through its crumbling walls, torn posters, and traces of graffiti.
The series began as pastel and pencil drawings on paper. It evolved into oil on canvas, and later into mixed media wall sculptures — the form it takes today.
Modern, lightweight, high-density foam board now makes it possible to sculpt these “artifacts” in three dimensions, build up layers of paint, and hang them easily on any interior wall with a single screw.
The Process
Each wall sculpture begins with research and photography from Dean’s travels. Back in the studio, he studies these references to capture the textures, colours, and layers that define each location.
Using high-density foam board, he carves the basic structure and adds relief details. Layers of plaster, paint, and other materials create the depth and weathered surface of the final piece.
Every sculpture is finished by hand. Subtle glazes and patinas bring out the marks of time, giving each work its own history and sense of place.
The Inspiration
Photo from Travel
This weathered door was photographed in Valletta, Malta. The image captures the worn beauty of the city’s ancient streets. It became the reference for the sculpture — a study of texture, colour, and quiet history.
Final wall sculpture
The finished piece reimagines the surface in three dimensions, preserving the patina and story of the original wall.
Walls of the World Gallery
Commission a Personal Architectural Wall Sculpture
Artworks are shipped from Jackson’s Toronto studio. Email Dean for a shipping quote to your address. Your piece will be carefully packed and shipped along with mounting hardware and instructions.
Commissions are welcome for one or a series of sculptures in any size to suit your space, whether it’s residential or commercial. Have your own memories “cast in stone” by sending digital photos of your family home or favorite travel destination.
Contact Dean to discuss the many options to enhance your space with a one-of-a-kind artistic creation.