Lifecasting: A three day course:

The course can be modified to students' levels and desires, but as an example;

• Basic anatomy

• Basic materials:
  • plaster
  • plaster-of-Paris bandages
  • release agents;
    • oil
    • petroleum jelly / body creams
    • soap

• Other materials:
  • alginate
  • ciment fondue
  • latex

• A basic simple cast:
  e.g. The buttocks
  This is meant to be quick and simple and to ensure familiarity with use of the materials

• A torso: normally from the neck to either just below the rib cage or to the top of the pubic triangle (the waist generally does not give 'good' results)

• A hand or foot: or rather the back of a hand using only plaster-of-Paris bandages.
  This a demonstration of the detail that can be achieved using POP and also the difficulties of 'trapping' the model in (semi-)rigid moulds.

• Mould filling: with plaster

• Using alginate with POP: A small demonstration (e.g. one breast) to demonstrate the technique and the potential problems.

• A whole hand in alginate

• Copying casts

• Mould filling: with ciment fondue

• Discussion of finishes:
  • varnish
  • paint
  • waxes
  • using colorants in plaster and cement

• Discussion (in brief) of bronze casting

Timing: flexible, but based on three days of 10-12 and 14-16H (work can be quite exhausting for both artist and model, and such timetabling has proved practical). Normally suggested that we meet between 9 and 10 and then break for lunch as convenient. Dates: As and when a group is available. Cost (2007): 250 Euro (if students require variations with the use of greater quantities / other materials then this would need to be discussed).

All the above is on the basis of each student providing a model. Accommodation and meals to be arranged by participants. If models wish to spend some time sight -seeing then this can be built into the programme (i.e. half days they are not required). Alternatively a demonstration or shared model might be arranged, but this is not recommended: It adds to costs and generally diminishes the benefit to students.

The contents of individual courses will vary --not least as courses will be modified to try and ensure the subjects that participants are particularly interested in are covered.

KITZLEN chez Galabia place Cotter B.P. 3 01350 CULOZ France   tel: 04.79.87.16.36