KW
Lifecasting
Although I have made bald caps before I thought it necessary to look over the notes and methodology again in order that I make sure my cap is as effective as possible. Therefore I looked through the Penny Delemar Book which showed the fundamentals of the technique. After re-reading these notes I have decided that it would be best to create a latex bald cap for the lifecasting process. This will be due to the fact that I do not know my model's head size at the time of casting and the latex is more likely to stretch whereas a cap plastic bald cap may rip. Trying to judge my model's head size from a phtotograph is not accurate, however it will give me a rough guide as to the size to create the cap. Delamar's book shows the technique to create the bald cap, reminding me of some small segments that I need to include in the process in order to have an effective cap. The cap will not have to be perfect, but good enough to withstand the stretch and keep the model's hair wrapped during the lifecasting process.
I created the cap using latex as I knew that this has more elasticity, I was happy with the result, however there were some slight bumps in the cap from small segments of dried latex sticking to the cap. I therefore decided to turn the cap inside out in order that the lifecast came out smoothly and made the process of cleaning up the fibreglass much easier.
Delamar.P. (1994) The Complete Makeup ArtistL Working in film, Fashion, Television and Theatre. 2nd Edn. London: Cengage Learning Vocational pg 242-244
Below are the photographs of the process of creating the full lifecast on my model, I had some helpers in order that the process went smoothly and the model felt secure. I got all of the equipment and materials ready before the application of the cast so that the time spent in the cast was as small as possible, trying to reduce any discomfort for the model as possible. Taking note of the research that I had previously conucted on the Full Head Cast page I approached this lifecast utilizing those techniques. I found them to be very helpful and allowed me to create a successful and effective lifecast.
Unfortunately I can no longer acccess the photographs displaying the front of the face in the plaster bandage. I helped out for the experience in order that I have a better understanding of the application process and I am able to achieve a more successful and faster application. I found that upon this second application I was much faster and the result worked very well. The lifecast that I applied used silicone whereas the second lifecast was alginate and therefore had a slightly different application however the results were very similar.
After the process of creating the lifecast in silicone the next step is to create the fibreglass cast onto which I can begin sculpting. This will be explored on the following page with research alongside in order to create the most professional result.