10-18-2008, 06:21 PM
Here's a project that I've been working on the last few weeks and have finally finished up. Most of my good buddies know that I am a HUGE Boris Karloff fan, both of the man himself and his work. Well, awhile ago, I obtained a BEAUTIFUL 3/4 Life Mask of Boris that was taken sometime in the 'mid to late 30's', which had INCREDIBLE detail. I decided to make a rubber mold of it, and create a Silicone version of it, to be painted, and displayed on a plaque with a brass nameplate under it, with Boris' name, date of birth, and date of passing under it. Well, I have done just that. I made a silicone version of the 'life mask', with a 'flesh tone' pigment base that I added to the silicone initially. Then I foam backed it, pulled it, cleaned it up, and painted it with 'psycho paint', to add more depth to it. I then punched in the eyebrows, and mounted it to an oak plaque that I purchased and painted with a 2 tone paint to give it a 'vintage' look. I then sealed the edges of the piece with clear silicone and added the nameplate which I had done at an engraving shop in town. All in all, I'm VERY happy with the result. It came out beautiful, imo, and looks as if Boris could open his eyes, lol.I didn't add hair to the top of his head for the simple reason that in the life mask, you can see where Boris had the bald cap on his head for the initial casting. This piece is basically meant to show Boris as he looked when he sat for the casting. There has been NO enhancement made of ANY kind. I hope you enjoy the pics. I have taken some with flash, to show some of the detail a little better, although the life mask isn't as 'pink' as it appears. I plan on making 5 of these to anyone who may be interested. I can be reached at:daws_1@hotmail.comNext will be Bela! -AndrewOriginal Life Mask of Boris<img src=\"http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h226/santagato/karlofflifemaskdisplay2.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" />Mold complete<img src=\"http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h226/santagato/karlofflifemaskdisplay12.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" />Pigmented Silicone and Foam added<img src=\"http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h226/santagato/karlofflifemaskdisplay13.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" /><img src=\"http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h226/santagato/karlofflifemaskdisplay14.jpg\" border=\"0\" class=\"linked-image\" />
