A rough outline, for background info only:
Lets say you want to cast a torso. you will need a
1. willing torso
2. vaseline
3. towels
4. bucket
5. warm water
6. plaster of paris (a 100lb. bag from home depot or paint supply co.
is cheaper than 5lb. from art store)
7. burlap
WARNING! plaster can cause burns. Also, make sure plaster does not
harden AROUND anything- never do more than half of anything at one
time.
Steps:
1. With a Sharpie, draw a halfway mark from armpits to hips on torso.
Torso lays on table on back. Vaseline is rubbed on torso, leaving
thin film on torso and beyond. thick film on hair. Some hair will be
pulled out, so shave if you need to.
2. Cut burlap into (about) .5 x 10 inch strips
3. Put about 5 inches warm water in bucket. Slowly sift plaster into
water. Island of plaster will begin to form. When islands form, add
another 2-4 cups. Mix , and mix well. Should be a little runnier than
pancake batter.
4. Dip burlap into plaster, place on torso, tapping lightly. overlap
strips.
5. DO NOT GO PAST HALFWAY POINT! I.E. do front of torso, neck to
crotch, but do not go around to back. Do not go past line drawn from
armpits to hipbone.
***many people every year need the paramedics to cut them out of
homemade plaster. also, plaster can cause burns to skin EXOTHERMIC
REATION_GIVES OFF HEAT****
6. Wait 20-30 minutes for plaster to set.
7. Pull of gently. hair will be lost (ouch) unless really covered in
jelly.
8. Reapeat for back
Now take the to halves, and use more bandages to connect. If you want
a positive, vaseline inside of molds and fill with plaster, the peel
off molds.
For inspiration, look at the work of George Segeal (sp?) |