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by Eric Holtmann
The life casting approach of Eric Holtmann of
Sydney, Australia involves the client in the whole process.
"They appreciate that," he says. Eric has found that a
lot of clients when confronted only with the finished life cast are
disappointed. They didn't expect that they looked like that. His
method provides the opportunity to easily modify the likeness as
it progresses.
The life cast medium is something called
"paper clay." This is very fine clay. The brand here in
Australia is Keane Ceramic Paper Clay. It comes in many colors as
it can be mixed with oxides when it is produced.
The clay is used in to make the plaster life
casting by first rolling the clay out into sheets about 3/4
inch to 1" thick. The thickness depends on the size of the
statue -- the bigger the work the thicker the clay. Eric cautions
that you have to be careful that the joints are well kneaded
together and that there are no air bubbles in the clay. Air
bubbles should be removed by kneading the clay into the mold.
The clay is layered into the mold by pressing
the clay well into it. Once the clay is pressed into the mold it
is allowed to dry and harden in the mold for a day or so depending
on the weather.
When it is ready the cast is carefully removing
it from the mold and any defects are repaired. This is the time
that you can add or subtract clay to areas to suit yourself or
your client. Eric says that it is surprising how often people
dislike a perfect likeness of themselves. Therefore, this method
provides the opportunity for some alterations. According to Eric,
"Clay gives you a lot of flexibility to make artistic and
sculptural changes."
The cast is then allowed to dry out over some
weeks before it is fired to harden it. Firing the cast can be a
heartbreaking affair as there is a risk that it can shatter or
crack. The dried cast has to be heated up slowly to about 1000
degrees. Allow for about a 5 percent shrinkage factor in the final
product. Also, note that there can be further shrinkage if
re-fired when a glaze is applied.
Depending on the client's preference, Eric
either spray finishes or leaves the clay natural which gives many
colors in itself. If you use a glaze the effects can be amazing
and the choices are infinite.
About the Author:
Eric Holtmann lives near Sydney, Australia, in the small
village of Mt. White near Gosford on the Central Coast of New
South Wales.
As a hobby he has been modeling and sculpting for some 25 years.
He recently discovered life casting through the internet which
inspired him to have a go at it. Since then he has used different
mediums but prefers to use clay which is fired and glazed to
finish. This makes a durable product which is suitable for indoor
or outdoor use.
Anyone in the Sydney area would like to have a life cast
done of themselves or of someone else as a special gift which is
very special he states that his prices are very reasonable or if
you are interested in modeling for a lifecast, then contact him at
holtmane@acay.com.au. |
