IMAGES COURTESY OF BODYCOPIA

One of the very earliest forms of art the concept was originally developed by the ancient Egyptians who believed that a body-cast was the all-essential form of transport necessary to reach the afterlife. Centuries later, in Europe, face masks became a popular means of remembering a loved one or an important dignitary who had recently passed away.

Nowadays – due to the evolution of both Hollywood’s state-of-the-art special effects industry and medical prosthetics – advanced materials have made possible the casting of life.

Not only highly affordable but actually quite a pleasant experience, casting-time varies from just a few minutes to less than an hour depending on the size of the area to be cast, and then just a couple of days later your completed sculpture – which can either be left in its natural state or given a choice of finishes and colours – will be ready.

A truly intimate art form, the result is a perfect three-dimensional replica of, for example, your baby’s hand, your pregnant belly, your lover’s kiss, or indeed whatever you want it to be. It can be mounted or framed, and makes the perfect gift with all the potential to become a treasured family heirloom.

Over the years lifecasting has played a key role in the works of artists from Rodin to Anthony Gormley and enjoys an established following around the world. And thanks to the masterminds behind Fuengirola-based BodyCopia – British sculptor Michael Lindsay Orr, elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 1982; and renowned German artist and sculptor Annette Vohns, who also has many years of experience in set design and fashion industry styling – the most personal of art forms has now arrived on the Costa del Sol.