Welcome to the fascinating art of lifecasting!
|
This huge, economical kit is a safe, simple introduction to some very versatile sculpture mediums. For more professional or complex projects try our 2–part Earthium™ (f/x): Advanced LifeCast™ Compound.
Note: There are very few links to other areas on this page because it is intended as stand alone summary of life casting for the educator. However, The Library has a wealth of additional information if needed. Click its side tab for an index of books and topics when ready.
There are so many ways to use these amazing mediums that the only limits are your imagination and understanding.
|
LifeCast™ projects can teach many principles of nature which surround us every day. Sculpture, mold-making, anatomy, fluid behavior and fossilization, to name a few, can be demonstrated quickly and safely.
Parents/Teachers: BODY PARTS™ may be used with children of any age but should never be attempted by an unsupervised child. Our materials are also available in bulk quantities for even greater savings. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is available by clicking its right side tab.
Our step-by-step projects make the process fun and educational for everyone. We have attempted to present these guidelines for use by educators. Your comments are always welcome.
|
What Is Lifecasting?
|
With the compounds in this BODY PARTS™ Kit you can create sculpture which simply cannot be made otherwise. The non-toxic materials are very safe when used as directed. However, since we cannot control their actual use we accept no responsibility for the effects of incorrect or experimental application.
With all professional art mediums, experience is the best teacher. It is occasionally more complex to describe a creative process than it is to just do it. However, for your own independent work it is important to understand how and why these mediums work the way they do.
|
DEFINITION:
Life-Cast; (lif kast) n., [ME. < OE. lif, akin to ON. lif, life, G. leib, body] + [ME. casten < ON. kasta, to throw] 1. An artifact made by duplication of a living or non-living anatomy as opposed to a similar object made by craft (ie; carving, modeling, etc.). [a LifeCast™ is easy to make] 2. Refers to a 2-part technique where a negative impression (mold) is formed from a living model and then this form is filled (cast) with a positive media (cement, plastic, wax, plaster, chocolate, etc.) to create the finished object. –v. 1. The act of sculpting such an artifact [Lifecasting™ is fun!].
|
StudioPak™ Contents:
|
Project Folder: These instructions are designed as a thorough introduction to the art of LifeCasting™. General techniques are detailed in alphabetical categories within each section. They are then referenced as needed by section number and letter. The step-by-step projects build on these techniques as new approaches are introduced. Finally, the advanced applications assume the basics are understood and briefly describe more complex work.
BlendBags™: These are specifically made for LifeCasting™. The markings are for liquid or powder volume measurement and may be used many times. Punctures can be repaired with clear mending tape.
Straws: Used to release the suction which forms between the ArtFORM™ and the original object or body part. Also can be used for a breathing tube when making LifeMask™.
- Hook & Loop: These self adhesive strips of material are cut into 1/2 to 1 inch (or longer) pieces and used for 2 purposes:
- 1. Attach them inside of your casting container (matrix) to grip onto the mold & prevent distortion (the hook or the loop side).
- 2. Attach them to the bottoms of the sculptures to prevent furniture scratches (the softer loop side).
|
- ArtFORM™: The bag of lightly colored powder absorbs many times its weight in water and gradually thickens or 'sets' into a highly detailed, flexible solid. When used to create a negative impression of something, a hand for example this resulting solid is called a 'mold'. The strength and speed of the set is controlled by only two variables:
- 1) Temperature: Cold materials, especially the water, react slower than warm materials. LifeCast™ artists use this to control the mediums.
- 2) Ratio: The relative amounts of water and powder used. Ratios are written with water volume first : powder volume second. For example, the typical ratio of 2:1 means 2 parts water to 1 part ArtFORM™ powder.
- CAUTION: Avoid Swallowing Powder Or Prolonged Inhaling Of The Dust.
- ArtCAST™: The heavy bag of white powder is a high strength statuary cement, much more durable than plaster. It is controlled by temperature, ratio and mixing time. The standard ratio is 1:2 (just the opposite of ArtFORM™ above). For maximum strength at this ratio it is best to soak the powder for 2 minutes then blend for 2 more minutes.
- WARNING: May Cause Burns! Do Not Allow To Harden on Skin. Do Not Pour The Materials Into Your Drains! Dispose In The Trash.
|
|
 |
Additional Materials You Will Need:
|
1) A LifeCast™ Matrix is any fairly rigid container which holds the liquid ArtFORM™ until it turns solid or 'sets'. It also supports the flexible mold so it does not distort. Sometimes called a 'mother mold'. Choosing a matrix is the first step. It determines water volume and the amount of powder.
Rounded shapes which closely fit your design use less since there are no corners to fill. We can see just how much more by flipping the corners inside the circle as illustrated.
 It must also be easy to remove the mold. Metal cans or glass for example, are difficult to work with. Plastic or paper cups are made in every size & shape. Since they are smaller at the bottom than the top, the sculpture slides right out!
|
 With a large or tall matrix, use something with 'tooth' for the mold to grip on the inside (or firmly adhere the enclosed hook & loop as shown) . This prevents the mold from sliding down, distoring the mold.
- 2) Clean Water for blending. For simplicity, most of our projects use room temperature (65 to 70 degrees F) as a standard. Also, very "hard" water can affect the results. Use distilled or bottled water if needed.
- 3) Measuring Cup for volume ratios or a scale for weight ratios.
- 4) Fork or Wire Whisk for blending small amounts.
- 5) Plastic Knife or other safe, semi-sharp tool for unveiling.
- 6) Newspapers or plastic sheets to spread over the work area.
- 7) A Watch or other device for timing your projects.
|
|
|
SECTION 2: The Basics of LifeCast™ Design:
|
| After reading the above instructions select the topic you want from the list below. In each case a new window will open with its explanation, illustated where helpful. |
- Close each window by clicking its check mark
 to return here. Then select the next one. View them in sequence.
- •, For more detail browse the LifeCast™ Library.
|
|
|
SECTION 3: LifeCast™ Classroom & Group Examples:
|
|
|
SECTION 4: Additional LifeCast™ Techniques and Information:
|
|
|
Instructions: #1140
