Life Sculptures, Body Casting and Bronze Portraits

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Body Casting ›› Q & A

How do you take the initial cast?

I use a type of plaster bandage designed for sculptures, they are very similar to those used in hospitals to cast a broken limb. Strips are cut to length, soaked in warm water, and then 4 or 5 individual layers are applied to the body and smoothed together.


	How long does it take for my cast to be taken? Depending on the area covered, between 20 and 50 minutes..


	How long does it take to dry? The plaster bandage dries in minutes, by the time I am applying the final layer, most of it is dry and set..


	Will the plaster stick to me? No, before we take the initial cast, you will be asked to smear a thin layer of petroleum jelly or baby oil over the area, this allows the cast to be removed without a problem.


	Can I bring a friend? Of course you can.


	How much does it cost? This depends on the final size of the cast, and the materials and finish chosen. Commissions are usually in the price range between £300 and £1200


	How long does it take for my piece to be finished? Usually around 3 to 4 weeks


	Where are you based? My workshop is home based and located in the northeast of England, about 10 miles south of Durham


	Can you mould me in my own home? I have been known to, but my time is precious, therefore my travelling expenses are hefty. I prefer you to come to me, as everything I need is in my workshop


	Can I see my sculpture before it's ready? If needed, I can keep you up to date with the progress of your commission and send digital images via email.


	I would love to commission my own life sculpture, but I'm quite shy, and the thought of talking my clothes off in front of someone I don't know puts me off. Yes, I fully understand, and I have heard this many times before. Experienced artists and life casters such as myself can become almost blase about nudity and the human form, but we still have a great deal of respect for the client's modesty and can quite understand your dilemma. To overcome this problem, I can put together a DIY kit with instructions and send it to you, so you can have your initial cast taken by someone you feel more comfortable with, such as your partner or sister etc. All you have to do then, is send the initial cast to me - and I'll do the rest... problem sorted!