In ancient times, realistic three-dimensional imitations of a deceased person’s body were created to transport him to the next world. This venerable art from the land of Egypt is now practiced throughout the world.
However, one no longer has to be dead to get a cast of life! Yes, perfectly detailed and realistic reproductions of the living, breathing human body are possible today. The 3D replica manages to capture every detail down to hair, skin texture, fingerprints, and even pores.
This precious reflection can be captured from anywhere on the body, and baby hand and foot prints are particularly popular. So are pregnant bellies, intertwined hands, individual torsos, etc.
How is it done?
A life cast begins with making a body cast. In fact, this is a crucial step, and success depends as much on the skill of the artist as on the cooperation of the model. In fact, the model only intervenes at this stage and the artist will work on her behalf during the casting.
The life casting artist will carefully instruct the model and decide on a pose that needs to be held for a while. The artist will do everything possible to ensure that the model remains comfortable, secure and fixed.
The artist covers the body part with Vaseline or another release agent before smearing it with an alginate mixture. This alginate is a natural product that is derived from seaweed and is completely safe for the skin. There are also milder variations available that are gentle on baby’s skin. Alternatively, the artist may choose to make the body mold from skin-safe silicone rubber as well.
The mold-making material is carefully applied to the body. Special care is needed when casting the face, as the mold must capture the precise shape, yet the material must not get into the eyes, mouth, or nose. The alginate casts are secured with bandages to allow the cast to hold its shape.
The mold will set in a matter of minutes and can be unmolded by moving your face a little. now alginate molds must be poured quickly as the material tends to shrink and distort quickly. Plaster is generally the material of choice for making life casts. Resin life molds are also popular. It is even possible to make life casts in stone, metal or wood using cold casting powders.
The casting material is carefully poured into the body mold. Care is needed to avoid air bubbles which can easily mar the perfection of the plaster of life. Once cured, alginate casts are usually broken to reveal the living cast inside. The model is then carefully finished (to correct any imperfections) and can also be painted or polished as required.
The final life cast is a spitting replica and looks perfect in every way. It can be hung from a coat hanger or displayed on a marble or wood base.
