Page 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Introduction
Infants
LifeMask™ 1 2
FastMask™ 1 2
Non-Human
Arts & Crafts
Large Work 1 2
Miscellany

Chapter 5: Advanced Techniques
Precision Lifecasting & Other Approaches

Is life casting an art or a craft? I've heard it called both, occasionally the latter with somewhat of a pseudo intellectual condescension. As if the term 'craft' were a stigma. The term art is defined as "the principles or methods governing any craft, skill or branch of learning", that of craft is "a trade or occupation requiring skill".
Frankly, the difference amount to linguistic hair-splitting. Things are what we believe them to be. Pretension only
says something about the pretender, not the subject.
What is objectively meaningful is value to life. To what use will you put your skills, for what purpose, to whom will it be valuable?
Our mediums and techniques can help fulfill any objective from kitsch to sublime. Its the process that matters.

Arts & Crafts
Arts & Crafts are a perennial interest world wide. Take a few hours one day an browse any good supply store. The variety of materials - many quite expensive - will astound you. Many of the items you will see are relevant to LifeCasting™ either as finishing materials, holding props or, most importantly, as things which can be duplicated much, much cheaper than buying them.
Before anyone gets their ethical hackles up let me point out that, as an artist I too, have strong interest in our copyright laws. These laws and the purpose behind them is to prevent the commercial distribution of our work without compensation, not to prevent private enjoyment. After all, making things is what Americans have traditionally excelled at - and we have filled the world with gadgets - for good or ill.
Take wooden or plaster craft ornamentation for example. Say you need 5 of a certain design for some private, home project. I see nothing unethical (or illegal) about buying one and using that as the object for a mold from which to make the other 4. Cut out lettering is another example.
Buy one full alphabet and copy the repeated letters to
your heart's content. The same is true for artificial fruits & vegetables, picture frames, refrigerator magnets, candlesticks (or candles), plaques and so on.
Of course, many people make a living at selling the results of their creativity. Our materials can contribute the speed and versatility required for many short run applications or to allow you to test out designs without any major investment in permanent molds.
Many of our customers who attend arts & crafts fairs, swap meets, etc. sell our kits through their booths along with their main activity. This can generate considerable extra income (we allow generous discounts) and it frequently leads to additional commissions for doing a LifeCast™ of someone who might otherwise have purchased nothing.
On some occasions when I have done this, I have sold over $3,000 in a single weekend! Besides, people love it and LifeCasting™ is fun!
See our Services, LifeCast™ Studio or Wholesale order section for more details.
Copyright © 1987 through 2003 by MSWinn. Thank you for visiting www.lifecast.net!
ToP
1/18/03

LifeCast™ & MSW Creative Works Legal Information:

Contents of this web site (lifecast.net) and all life cast materials and other art and sculpture products or lifecast kit packaging, art techniques and sculpture instructions copyright © 1986-2002 by Mark S. Winn. All rights reserved. The terms BODY PARTS™, LifeCast™, ChildCast™, StudioPack™, ArtForm™, ArtCast™, Earthium™, Earthium(f/x)™, ShrinKast™, PolyART™, WaterTrap™, BlendBag™, Successful Creativity Guarantee™, LifeMask™, FastMask™ as well as the phrase "Make YourSelf Immortal!™" and any other art materials product or craft item denoted by a small 'TM' (such as in LifeCast™) are trademarks. The phrases life cast and life casting or the words lifecast and lifecasting are generic.
Our LifeCast™ products or other sculpture, mold making and art materials products are are entirely safe within the context of arts & crafts when used as directed. Other arts & crafts materials shown here each carry their own warnings and degrees of safety. They are available for use as creative mediums AT YOUR OWN RISK and since we cannot control the actual use of these art products, we disclaim any responsibility for damage or injury caused by incorrect or experimental life cast, sculpture, life mask, erotic art or other mold making or creative applications.
NOT FOR USE BY CHILDREN: These arts & crafts materials may be used with children of any age but should never be used by an unsupervised child. A "child" is defined by law as anyone under the age of 18 years. Our art, lifecast or sculpture product prohibitions against unsupervised use by children therefore applies to all persons under that age. "Supervised" by definition means at all times, through each step of any use of our life cast or other art materials. Such supervision must be by an adult over the age of 18 years while using the BODY PARTS™ LifeCast™ kits or other life cast, sculpture and art materials.
Our life cast, sculpture and other art materials should never be used by anyone who cannot read, understand and apply the language in which the lifecast, sculpture or art materials' instructions appear. The terms of said language are exclusively defined in any standard, widely accepted and comprehensive dictionary of that language and are meant to be construed in no other manner.
Purchase and/or use of our life cast, sculpture or other art materials implies your understanding and acceptance of these reasonable terms. If you do not agree, for any reason, please do not purchase or use our lifecast, sculpture, mold making or other arts & crafts products.
The information contained in this document is given in good faith based on our current knowledge. It is only an indication and is in no way binding, particularly as regards infringement d or prejudice to third party rights through the use of our products. MSW GUARANTEES THAT ITS PRODUCTS COMPLY WITH ITS SALES SPECIFICATIONS. This information must on no account be used as a substitute for necessary prior tests which alone can ensure that a product is suitable for a given use. Users are responsible for ensuing compliance with local legislations and for obtaining the necessary certifications and authorizations. Users are requested to check that they are in possession of the latest version of this document.
Contact MSW Creative Works by mail, eMail, telephone or fax via the Company Information shown by clicking our logo on any page.
Thank you for visiting www.lifecast.net.