Sculpting Silence: Creating Wall Art with Jesmonite

A close up of my Kelp art panel

As a bespoke furniture maker with a background in Materials Science from Oxford University, I’m fascinated by how materials behave and the stories they tell. This curiosity extends beyond wood to composite materials like Jesmonite, which is a wonderful new material especially when creating textured, sculptural wall art.

What is Jesmonite? An Overview of This Versatile Material

Jesmonite is a water-based composite made from mineral powder and acrylic resin. Known for its strength, fine detail reproduction, and versatility, it works perfectly for wall art. Its stone-like finish adds tactility and texture to interior pieces, making it ideal for unique wall art for living rooms and bedrooms.

Unlike traditional resin materials, Jesmonite is VOC-free and low in emissions, making it a safer and more environmentally conscious option. While it’s not biodegradable, its durability supports long-lasting decorative applications. Beyond wall art, Jesmonite is frequently used in architectural moldings, restoration, bespoke furniture inlays, and contemporary sculpture, thanks to its adaptability in casting and finishing.

Inspiration from Nature: Designing Wall Art for Living Rooms and Bedrooms

This particular piece was inspired by my experience free-diving through kelp forests off the Cornish coast. The gentle sway of kelp and the underwater stillness shaped the emotional core of the design.

Using Polyurethane Model Board, a grain-free base, I carved fluid, organic shapes that mimic the kelp’s movement. This material allowed precise hand-carving without the unpredictability of wood grain, creating the ideal base for mould-making.

The Process: From Hand-Carving to Jesmonite Casting

A detailed silicone rubber mould captured every curve of the carving. Jesmonite, reinforced with chopped glass fibers and fibreglass matting, was then cast into this mould. The final piece was pigmented white to enhance shadow and light play, giving the textured surface depth throughout the day.

The sculpture was mounted in a simple wooden frame, balancing organic forms with clean lines. This combination results in a striking piece of jesmonite wall art that brings natural stillness into contemporary interiors.

Why Choose Jesmonite Wall Art for Your Home?

Whether used as wall art for living rooms or wall art for bedrooms, Jesmonite offers a unique tactile experience not found in typical living room pictures. Its subtle textures invite calm reflection and add quiet movement to any space. Since producing this art panel, I have also now created a bespoke wall mounted drinks cabinet with sculpted Jesmonite drawers. The ultimate luxury whiskey cabinet.

Jesmonite art works beautifully as a standalone feature or as part of a gallery wall, pairing well with both modern and natural interior styles.

Final Thoughts from a Bespoke Furniture Maker

For me, combining craftsmanship with an exploration and showcasing of materials is central to my work. This Jesmonite wall art piece is more than decoration—it’s a reminder of nature’s quiet rhythms, designed to bring a sense of tranquility to your home.