Using Earthium(f/x)™: The Shelled LifeMask™ & Torso

This variation on the shelled approach allows the model to remain upright which minimizes skin compression.

Also, the use of plaster bandages instead of solid plaster will lighten and strengthen the shell.

Bandages of this type can be purchased ready made at most pharmacies and at some art supply stores or can be made as needed.

You can also drag strips of coarse burlap through a slurry of cement before applying them. This requires fewer layers, has greater strength, is less expensive and sets faster.

The optional breathing tube can make the model more confident and the vertical position makes it easier to avoid accidentally plugging up the nostril.

Large Surface Areas like a human torso and occasionally faces, are done by spreading a thick, slow ratio of Earthium™ over the body. While the mold is still tacky, cotton is dabbed all over the outside surface, embedding fibers.

Next, a layer of plaster or plaster bandages is laid over the mold, binding the layers together. When this has hardened the entire assembly is removed. The LifeCast™ is made by spreading the casting media inside the mold to form even wall thicknesses. Solid casts of this size are very heavy.

The model can lay flat or stand upright. It all depends on the artist's skill and the model's physique. Female breasts, for example are each unique and the individual must be studied to determine the best approach. We have even LifeCast™ entire torsos in barrels similar to the hand casting method, buoyancy offsetting the effects of gravity.

Precision LifeCast™ Project Examples:

Precision Lifeasting is the term for adjusting the Earthium™ work and set ratios to such accuracy that very fast techniques can be used to accomplish Lifecasts which are much more difficult or impossible otherwise. Two such ratios are given in the Earthium™ Instructions.

The FastMask™ is accomplished by mixing a Precision LifeCast™ ratio in a BlendBag™ and pouring the mixture into a bowl with Velcro® strips glued inside to support the mold.

The model (in a swim cap) simply holds their breath and dunks in as shown. In 30 to 45 seconds the model exhales, releasing the suction and removing their face.

There are usually pockets of air that get trapped in the eye sockets which can be avoided by spreading the liquid Earthium™ into those areas gently as the model submerges. This takes some practice to do well.

Infants' hands and feet make wonderful art objects and use very little medium. Typically, they must be LifeCast™ while sleeping. This is done by using water at their body temperature to avoid waking them (Precision Ratio #2). The baby's hand/foot is dunked into a tiny paper or foam cup with just the warm water at first, until they stop reacting. Then the Precision Earthium™ ratio is substituted and the infant's hand or foot is submerged. The mold sets before the baby even knows about it!

Refer to the LifeCast™ Library for more details about the FastMask™ and many other topics about lifecasting.