The popularity of mold making and casting as creative hobbies is growing by the day.
Even children love to try their hand at replicating small items and the joy of seeing your own mold and cast come to life cannot be put in words.
For an adult, mold making and casting can grow into something much more than a diversionary pastime.
Especially life casting can be practiced on an amateur level to make beautiful keepsakes for family and friends.
It can even develop into a lucrative profession that brings untold satisfaction, praise and moolah as well.
This is not to say that you cannot continue to just let your creativity run loose and bask in the pleasure and fulfillment derived from indulging your artistic nature.
But whether you are a hobbyist, amateur life caster or professional sculptor, it makes sense to become a member of the Association of Lifecasters International - or ALI as it is popularly known.
To find out more about this worldwide artists' guild, just read on.
ALI is a relatively new federation.
It was formed by prominent lifecasting artists like Ed McCormick, Hiram Ball, Chris Fletcher, Dan Spector and John Schoonraadin the summer of 2000.
They came together with the singular intention to promote the public awareness of the ancient art form of casting throughout the world! ALI now aspires to introduce and educate new artists even while creating a reliable standard and level of professionalism within the field of life casting.
It is very easy to become a member of ALI.
Membership is totally free for all professional and amateur artists, enthusiasts and even casting material suppliers.
All you have to do is visit the ALI website and register yourself and fill in the application form before agreeing to abide by the ALI Code of Conduct.
Wondering how ALI membership will help you? Here's how: • The ALI website hosts an open forum where you can pose any kind of questions on mold making, casting or life casting and will receive informative answers from other members who are fine casting artists themselves.
Information on techniques, marketing and inspirational ideas are shared willingly every day.
• It maintains a huge library of information on mold making and other related subjects.
As a registered member, you can access the library free of charge.
• It hosts a gallery where you can post examples of your artwork and show off your fine life casts to the whole world.
• It even hosts an annual competition for artistic excellence wherein you can freely submit your works.
Winners get the prestigious ALI Award which is recognized as the ultimate mark of an artist's skill and professionalism.
• ALI takes upon itself to certify ALI trained life casting teachers who can provide top quality, professional, consistent and safe instruction.
You can easily access the list of Certified Instructors to find out their contact details and upcoming workshop schedules.
So go ahead and become a member now!