Lifecast Sculpture

What is Lifecasting?
The Process
The Gallery

What is Lifecasting?

Lifecasting, or body molding, is the process of creating a sculptural piece from three dimentional molds taken directly from the human body. Using skin safe materials, it captures and reproduces the finest details of the skin right down to the pores and fingerprints.

Lifecasting preserves a moment in one's life like no other art form can. And it is something that can be cherished forever.

The Process

The Lifecasting process begins with posing the model. This is a collaborative decision between the model and artist. Choosing a comfortable positon is important since the model will sit for 30 minutes or more depending upon the complexity of the piece. It's a good idea to plan ahead with a desired positon in mind and not wait until the day of casting. Wearing loose fitting clothes is important as tight fitting clothes may leave marks on the skin which could take up to an hour to disappear and delay the casting time. Pillows and arm supports are used to cushion the model during the process.

Next, a release agent is applied to the skin to allow easy separation once the mold is complete. The casting medium is either alginate or skin safe silicone both of which reproduce minute details in the skin. A female assistant is Always present during the lifecasting process. The alginate or silicone is then reinforced with plaster bandages to form a rigid support shell. After the mold is removed, hot wax is painted inside the entire casting to form a positive mold. Using a variety of sculpting tools, the wax is then meticulously"chased" to remove imperfections and unwanted lines and ridges. At this point the wax is ready to ship to the foundry and begin the "Lost Wax Process". Also, the cast can be altered to reduce or augment undesirable areas as per the client's request.

Once the wax mold is complete, a permanent silicone mold is made over it. This will be used to cast the final piece. Mediums for the final piece include high strength gypsum, urethane resins, bonded or cold cast bronze to hot foundry bronze. Metallic finishes are available in a variety of colors as are gold leaf. The result is a beautiful, unique piece of art that can be treasured for years to come.