Page 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Measurement
Working Time
Setting Time 1 2
The Matrix
Blending 1 2

Chapter 2: The Facts of Life(Casting)
Comparing apples to apples, not apples to oranges.

An artist that creates in 3 dimensions is referred to by the genderless term; sculptor. There are two methods employed by sculptors;
1. Carving reduces some material, like marble or wood from a raw, native shape into the form envisioned by the artist. It is subtractive.
2. Modeling builds up a medium like clay or wax from smaller portions into the desired shape. In this sense an architect, who builds up from portions of wood, concrete, steel and glass, is a modeling sculptor. Modeling is additive.
Even the contemporary "light & space" artists fit within these definitions. They "carve" space and "model" light.
In one sense, the lifecast artist also bridges both categories. Lifecasters model nature into the position desired and frequently choose or are required to carve the elements of their work in one way or another.
In another sense, lifecasting is unique unto itself, like photography is to the 2-dimensional art world. It neither subtracts nor adds but, seeks to stop nature's myriad movements to admire its transient, static form.
And as Dante so eloquently put it; "Nature is the art of God." No other practical, art technique can yet match the exquisite detail of nature's forms thus frozen in time.

Measurement Systems:
It is usually easier to just do a LifeCast™ project than to explain all the reasons for why it has to be done in a certain way. However it is important that you understand both how and why things work to be truly creative.
The following principles are already "built in" to the step-by-step instructions of our BODY PARTS™ kits and everything is already pre-measured for you. In the other products you must do the measurements for yourself.
There are two distinct ways to measure the LifeCast™ mediums. They must not be confused and you should avoid combining them in a single project.
•, Weight:
- How heavy a thing is regardless of how big it is.
•, Volume:
- How big a thing is regardless of how heavy it is.
In some cases the same volume always weighs the same at sea level. One cup of water for example, always weighs 8 ounces. (This is a simplification and no attempt is made here to be rigorously scientific.)
In other cases, powders for example, how much a specific volume weighs depends on how tightly packed it is. This is called specific density or specific gravity.
The ArtForm™ for example, can weigh anywhere from 3 ounces per cup when fluffed up loosely (low density) to 6 ounces per cup when tightly packed (high density). A margin for error of 100% in measuring just one cup by its volume if density is ignored!
In our kit instructions and examples we nevertheless use volume measurements which work just fine for small lifecast purposes. However, it is very important to fluff up the powders just before measuring by volume.
If you don't do this, when an example calls for one cup (3 oz. fluffed up) you could be adding up to twice as much by mistake (6 oz. tightly packed). This of course would radically alter the behavior and outcome of the project.
Always fluff up the powders before measuring by volume!
If you wish to measure by weight, which can be useful in larger projects and Precision Lifecastingrefer to the conversions provided in the Alternative & Advanced Techniques book.
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.
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