Portfolio

I’ve been creating sculpture for a long time…since childhood really. I’ve always enjoyed building things and deconstructing objects. Below are some images of my past work that relate to body casting and mold making in particular.

After a serious back injury a few years ago I became extremely interested in how the skeletal system works as a support structure for the human body. Based on the idea of injury and recovery I created a series that displayed the human form at its best and at its worst. I was allowed into the cadaver lab at Dalhousie University to cast a human spine and that experience inspired me to create these pieces.

Atlas Struggle (resin and fiberglass):

The Fall (plaster, wax, steel):

(Detail)

Growth (plaster and wax):

(Detail)

Having two children changed how I see myself and made me less self-indulgent when it comes to my work. It’s hard to be self-involved when you’re in the process of creating another life. Rather than focusing on physical deformities I now focus on the beauty of changes in the physical form. No two pregnant women look the same or go through the same changes and yet they are all unified and beautiful. Looking at a new life is a moving, life changing experience that words cannot describe. Using art, sculpture, and casting to capture these moments is significant to me and I’m lucky to be able to share in that experience with new and expecting parents.

Pregnant Tummies!

As promised, here are sample images of casts I have created for previous clients. My work is not limited to the designs seen here, if you can dream it up I can sculpt it.

Torso Cast:

Torso with hands and forearms:

Belly Cast:

The price of each individual cast varies. The base price for a Baby Bummy cast is $50 and Pregnant Tummies start at $75 (see Belly Cast above). Please e-mail me with your design ideas and to book a casting session. I will give you a price quote based on the type of cast you are interested in having created. Gift certificates are also available and make great shower gifts!

I Made That!

The plaster cast and the baby bum J

This is my baby Sarah. She’s four months old and generally good tempered and calm. Prior to creating Sarah's cast I fed her and gave her a quick snuggle so that she was happy as a lark. For squirmy babies I recommend casting during naptime, though it is possible to get a good cast while they’re awake it just takes a little patience and a few distractions.

Here are some pictures of our casting experience. More photos to come...

The first layer of plaster gauze:

Smoothing out the plaster:

Afterwards she modeled her fancy new Berry Plush diaper from Storks & Berries in AB and Nummy Clip by Mushy Peas here in St. John's:
Get Plastered! Baby Bummy cast:
Many people like to keep this type of cast, as is, in a shadow box or on a miniature easel. I chose to use this as a mold for a positive, solid version of Sarah's sweet little tush. As soon as the plaster sets I'll work a little magic (finishing) and then show off the finish product.

Getting Started

A little about me....

I received my BFA (focus in sculpture) from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 2003. During my time at NSCAD I worked with many different materials but I always returned to plaster as my medium of choice. When I became pregnant with my first daughter I sought out the materials needed to cast my growing belly, but I was unable to find anything locally that was suitable. Since then I have managed to dig my way into the wonderful world of medical supplies and for my second pregnancy I created a (massive) gorgeous tummy cast. I am extremely glad that I didn't miss the opportunity to capture that moment the second time around. I even had pictures of our newborn baby girl taken in the cast!

I've arranged to have photos taken of my work this week and I'll get them posted as soon as they're available. I'm excited to show everyone the beautiful pregnant bellies casts that I've created and the sweet little baby bums. I have quite a few samples ready to display, all of which will give you a great overview of the products we can create together.

If you're expecting, or have a pregnant friend, get in touch! I'd love to hear from you!