How did you discover the art of life casting and how did you develop 

your skills? 

 

Kelly: It was certainly before the age of computers and the internet. I used to 

have a business on the outskirts of Cambridge, manufacturing small concrete 

products. A customer asked if I could cast a hand. I thought the only way I could 

do it was fill a glove with concrete but that would be a very poor representation.I set about making phone calls, visiting the library and generally trying to 

source any information I could. The only positive information I could get was 

from an art shop in London. They sold the materials required and also a small 

amount of information on how to use the materials. This was a major step, 

however to try and go beyond that meant I had to try and find some tuition, 

which I couldn’t. What I found was that anybody who possessed any information 

regarding lifecasting, guarded that information as though it was the pathway to 

the Holy Grail! it was a case of trial and error, making mistakes and 

experimentation that enabled me to learn it.  

 

What are the most memorable casts you have been asked to make?

 

Kelly: The most interesting casts I actually do are of people’s faces or hands. 

The reason I say that is because that’s where the character, of an individual lies. 

Especially hands! Hands holding another hand, hands holding something that 

represents their trade or profession; a hair dresser holding the scissors, for 

example. I like doing faces, not always the whole face because often that looks 

quite uninteresting. I do sections of the face and mount that in a pleasing 

manner; this brings it to life and gives it a bit of personality, a bit of character 

and it’s tasteful.  

 

In May this year you were an artist in residence at the Hotel Borgo 

Santo Pietro in the Tuscany countryside. Tell us about how this 

opportunity arose and about your experience there. 

 

Kelly: This actually came about via Gumtree. There was an ad asking for people to apply to be an in-house artist. I did this and I was most surprised when I got a reply inviting me to be their artist in 2014. I had a very successful month there.  

 

What have been some of the most gratifying moments of your career to date? 

 

Kelly: Seeing a challenging cast actually become successful. Secondly is when 

you get the reaction from the client or model. For instance, when I am doing a 

cast of an elderly member of a family holding a baby’s hand or foot; that really 

does bring tears to a lot of people’s eyes.  

 

London is usually considered to be England’s hub for artists, however you work in Cambridge. What have your experiences been as an artist based mainly in Cambridge? 

 

Kelly: My success is limited in the UK as a whole because of the perceived 

nature of lifecasting. People don’t seem to see it beyond something risqué or 

erotic, which is sad because a lot of people could have a beautiful cast taken of 

them in a very artistic manner that captures them in that particular moment in a 

three-dimensional manner, that can never be achieved with a photograph. In 

Cambridge, I have demonstrated lifecasting and have had a good response from 

the general public while demonstrating in local art shops. Financially my best 

success was when I was abroad in Tuscany. Lifecasting in the UK has a long way to go.  

 

How could artists who are not based in London be better supported in their careers? 

 

Kelly: I think one of the ways artists can be more included in the art world is 

through Skype. I think Skype is highly underused. It could be used much more 

for tuition.  

 

How can artists promote their work for sale? 

 

Kelly: Consider doing something for a charity. Generally speaking the charity 

will have a fundraiser. Some bigger charities will have fundraisers. Offer to do 

something for free for that charity and that piece you do is auctioned or sold 

with profits going to that charity and get publicity. Contact your local newspaper 

and invite them to interview you, get as much free publicity as you can.

 You have to think outside the box and be innovative! 

 

You offer a basic course in Lifecasting. Have any of your students been inspired to further develop their skills in this art form and how is the course usually received by students? 

 

Kelly: It’s usually received quite well. One or two people have gone on to do 

more challenging pieces, not in the commercial sense but for their own personal 

satisfaction.

 

What advice would you have for people considering a career in 

Lifecasting? 

 

Kelly: By all means consider it, but make sure you’ve got another income stream. But you will get a lot of satisfaction.  

 

Tell us about your upcoming projects…. 

 

Kelly: ideas are constantly drifting in and out of my head so its difficult to say at this particular point in time. However I am confident that working 

closely with, Albion Creatives ideas will present themselves as I visualise this new and innovative site as a valuable asset to all artists.

 

Find out more about Kelly's career by visiting his website.