Lifecasting and Modelling

Lifecasting is the process of creating a cast from a living subject. This involves holding a pose for about 20 minutes for basic casts such as face casts and simple torso casts. Body hair is first treated with a nontoxic release agent and then a creamy substance called alginate is applied. This is a perfectly safe material, similar to what dentists use to make dental impressions. The alginate quickly becomes rubbery and I must work fast to apply it properly and prepare it to bond with a plaster bandage support shell that will be laid over it. When the plaster dries, the shell and alginate are removed together.

Then the real work begins. As the model cleans up, I mix whatever material will be poured into the mold to form the final sculpture. Curing time varies with the material, plaster requiring the most time (about 2 weeks for final curing). When the mold is removed (it's destroyed in the process) I spend considerable time cleaning and detailing the lifecast. Often I sculpt the eyes open at this stage. Finally, the lifecast is perhaps painted or polished or left natural, depending on the material, and mounted.

If you plan on modelling for your own sculpture, please contact me for further information. You will need to come to my studio in southeastern Connecticut as it is much easier to produce a quality cast where the materials I need are readily available and I can control the environment. I don't cast erotic poses.