The challenges of life Casting
Life casting brings with it unique risks and challenges, as a living human being is involved in the process.
Life casting is a beautiful art of creating a spitting replica of the living human body in three-dimensional form. Molding and casting techniques are used to capture the shape of the body and reproduce its likeness.
However, the challenges in making a body cast are definitely much greater than when making casts of immaterial objects. The fact that the model is alive and breathing will complicate things a lot. Some of the inherent risks are:
The health and safety of the model is a primary concern. The mold-making material must be skin-safe and completely non-toxic. You have to check for allergic reactions as well. This is why organic alginate derived from natural seaweed is most preferred for life casting. However, patch testing is always recommended.
In general, you can apply a hot molding material to an inanimate object. You don’t even have to worry about the material heating up while it cures. Obviously, this is a big no-no in the casting of life. Casting is generally not applied directly to the human body as the heat produced can be uncomfortable for the model and can even cause burns on sensitive skin. Plaster bandages are only used to reinforce the alginate cast or to make casts such as the abdomen.
The pose in which the model will be placed should be carefully planned, discussed, and practiced to avoid later distress or injury. The mold making must be completed in a short period of time, as the model may not be able to hold the pose or even stand still for a long time. Some models get anxious when locked in a cast or may even pass out. Therefore, all materials and other preparations must be done in advance to avoid wasting time during mold making. Having an assistant on hand is very helpful.
The artist must also take special care when applying the mold making material. It should be applied delicately like a gentle massage, but without lengthening the time too much. And obviously you don’t want to end up covering the model’s nose in any way. In fact, keeping the nostrils open and clear is a major concern during a lifetime cast. The mold-making material should not even get into the eyes due to incorrect application.
Do you think you can breathe a sigh of relief once the material has been applied to make the cast? Well, think again since you still have to unmold the mold from the model’s body. This brings up the possibility of fine body hair getting caught in the mold and causing discomfort to the model. Mildew won’t come off easily either. Consider the possibility beforehand and cover the body part with a generous dose of release agent or Vaseline. And the model will thank you infinitely if you cover her head with a bald spot or even a shower cap!
Glad Mold making and casting of life!