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 living 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 in casting inanimate 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 material for making molds must be safe for the skin and completely non-toxic. You should also check for allergic reactions. This is the reason why organic alginate derived from natural seaweed is mainly preferred for natural casting. However, patch testing is always recommended.
Generally, you can apply a hot mold-making material to an inanimate object. You don’t even have to worry about the material heating up as it cures. Obviously this is a big no-no in life casting. Generally, the cast is 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 shaped casts like those of the abdomen.
The pose in which the model will be thrown must be carefully planned, discussed, and practiced to avoid subsequent distress or injury. Mold fabrication needs to be completed in a short period of time, as the model may not be able to maintain posture or even stand still for a long time. Some models get anxious when locked in a cast or may even end up passing out. Therefore, all materials and other preparations must be made in advance to avoid wasted 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 gently as a gentle massage, but without taking too long. 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 lifespan concern. The mold making material should not even get into the eyes due to improper application.
Think you can breathe a sigh of relief once the mold making material has been applied? Well think again as you still have to unmold the body mold from the model. This brings the potential for fine body hair to catch on the cast and cause discomfort to the model. Mold won’t come off easily either. Consider the possibility beforehand and coat the body part with a generous dose of release agent or petroleum jelly. And the model will thank you infinitely if you cover your head with a bald cap or even a shower cap!
Happy Mold making and casting for life!