Life-Bronze F.A.Q. Page

Q: What is a life cast?

A: Lifecasting is the process of creating a three-dimensional copy of a living human body, through the use of molding and casting techniques. In rare cases lifecasting is also practiced on living animals. The most common lifecasts are of torsoes, pregnant bellies, hands and faces, and it is possible for an experienced lifecasting practitioner to copy any part of the body. Lifecasting is usually limited to a section of the body at a time, but full-body lifecasts are achievable too. Compared with other three-dimensional representations of humans, the standout feature of lifecasts are their high level of realism and detail. Lifecasts can replicate details as small as fingerprints and pores.

Q: How is a lifecast created?

A: There are a variety of lifecasting techniques which differ to some degree; the following steps illustrate a general and simplified outline of the process:

1. Model preparation. Unless alginate is used, a greasy substance such as petroleum jelly is applied to the skin and/or hair of the model to help prevent the mold adhering to their skin and hair. Alginate does not stick to skin or hair. If the lifecast is to include the face or head a rubber swimming cap may be worn to prevent the mold from adhering to the head hair.
2. Model pose. The model takes the desired stationary pose, and must remain in this pose until the mold is removed from their body. Supports to help the model are carefully designed.
3. Mold application. Mold material is applied to the surface of the model's body. The mold material is usually applied as a soft material or liquid that takes the shape of the body. Body parts may also be dunked into containers of mold media (except plaster).
4. Mold curing and reinforcement. The applied mold material cures to a more rigid and solid form. Sometimes more materials are added at this point to further strengthen and support the mold.
5. Demold. Once the mold has attained the necessary strength it is carefully removed from the model's body.
6. Mold reassembly and modification. If the mold was created in multiple parts the parts are now sometimes joined back together. The mold itself will sometimes be repaired, altered or added to. Walls may be affixed to help contain the casting material, or further mold-reinforcements attached.
7. Casting. A casting material is introduced into the mold, usually in liquid form, though deformable solids can be used as well. Artists commonly incorporate hanging hardware at this stage as well.
8. Demold cast. Once the casting material has acquired the shape of the mold and cured fully, the cast is carefully removed from the mold. Molds may survive but often do not, resulting in one-of-a-kind, "one-out" works. Silicone molds will last for many castings.

Q: Can a Life-Bronze last as long as a stone memorial?

A: Yes- If produced from the appropriate casting material, i.e. Bronze, silver, stainless steel, a Life-Bronze can easily outlast a stone memorial...

Shown in the photo is a bronze memorial of Caesar Augustus, 27 B.C.
The First Emperor of The Roman Empire's bronze statue can be found at Archeological Museum of Athens.

In fact, Greves was first inspired to life cast and sculpt bronze funerary monuments based on the Greek and Roman Busts that had endured so well in the museum collections that he visited as a young man.

Q: Can a Life-Bronze ultimately hold remains?

A: Yes. In fact it can be used as an ideal funerary urn or life-capsule as it can be weld sealed and is tamper proof and is the living image of the loved one that it represents.

Q: Life-Capsule?

A: In addition to providing an excellent Memorial Urn, a Life-Bronze provides an ideal space of area to include future record of the loved one in the form of digital recordings, writings, photographs and/or video, as well as personal items. It can be securely sealed to assure that access is carefully guarded.

Q: What can be included in the Life-Vault?

A: Digital media (Photos, movies, audio recordings), Mementos, Writings. wishes & instructions, DNA and about anything that will fit in an approximate cubic foot of vault space.

Q: Where are the cremains placed?

A: In the head space and the neck opening is welded closed - Alternately, a gem of choice (Diamond, ruby, emerald, etc.) can be synthesized from the cremains and fitted into a pre-determind position on the Life-Bronze's interior or exterior.

Q: Is a Life-Bronze expensive?

A: Yes, as is all funerary processes, but less overall and certainly more practical than than a plot in a faraway place... The full process of creating a life-bronze or life-vault is extensive. (See video here)

Q: Does a life-Bronze have to ultimately be a funerary urn?

A: Absolutely not, the immediate beauty of the bronzes speak for themselves, a celebration of the life of the sitter, now and for always.

Q: Do I need to sit for a life cast to have a bronze made?

A: No, although it is the truest way to replicate the sitter, Greves has produced posthumous and historical sculptures with excellent results.

Q: What are John Greves' qualifications?

A: Greves has over thirty years experience in Lifecasting, Sculpting, Art & Design, Special Effects, Mettalurgy & Patination, Synthetic & Prosthetic material as well as Moldmaking & Casting. - here is a partial list of private & public individuals and organizations whom have benefitted from Greves' artistic abilities.

Contact Lifecasting.com with any questions or comments you may have about prices and processes!