Life casting is one of the hardest skills to perfect,
even in a fully equipped art studio - let alone within our makeshift setup. But it's not simply a matter of having all the right equipment at your disposal; what is hardest to obtain is the experience of learning to develop your skills. |
The practice is simple enough: Use a suitable compound (either a derivative of
plaster, or as we prefer alginate) to encapsulate the subject area in a supportive frame
of impression material so as to create a negative mould that you are able to separate from
your subject before taking a permanent positive impression. But so much can, and does go wrong in the beginning;
too much or too little impression material can be used - so distorting the features or
inviting trapped air pockets to form resulting in the same thing. Worse still, tearing
your precious cast beyond repair. Many people try their hand at life-casting. The Accident and Emergency rooms bear witness to their testimony; and stories are bound of the failed exploits of these unfortunate trainees. Although many are very amusing and even make prime time viewing; on a more serious side it should never be taken lightly the many dangers and even potentially fatal mistakes that sometimes befall the foolhardy. so I joke not when I tell you that there are serious risks involved if you do not know what you are doing - trapping limbs due to unforeseen undercuts, or even serious skin burns caused by overzealous plastering. It may not surprise you then to know that professional life-casters charge a fair amount of money for a good cast. |
© S y l a k S p e c i a l E f f e c t s Lifecasting performed by Nicky and Sylak. |
This page was last reviewed by the WebMaster on 30/05/2001