Today I finally got some time to do some more tests on open casket (tentative final name "Gone"). I put a double thickness of sheet over the foam/beads and climbed in. I did a literal 'dry run' first, but the result was unconvincing. Next I tried spraying the sheet with water first, so it was damp. I'm still not happy, but I'm a lot happier:
Smoothing down the areas that are not under me seemed to help a lot as it gives a much better contrast between the body and the surround. I could do this to a limited extent before I got in, but having a second person to do this while I'm lying there should give even better results - hopefully they could also smooth the slightly weird raised edges around the limbs. Tucking the sheet underneath the board definitely looks neater and makes the thing look more integrated. Adding more beads might give a shallower but more natural looking impression too (some of the edges are still quite square)
In general, I think/hope that the shape will only improve with each attempt because the beads will continue to settle more into the right shape... But maybe I'm just being naive!
Next thing to test is plaster-soaked fabric, for a small area. I'm hoping it will take the shape of the body better, and maybe show the beads less - that was also an issue - the beads are showing through in places as a fine set of bumps.
I'm also interested in whether I could somehow 'flow' the plaster on afterwards? It would be great to be able to repeatedly test/tinker and then 'freeze' the best result... I can't see that working though as I think the plaster will sit on top of the sheet, even if wet, and not bond to it... But it's worth a quick test.
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