We are located in the beautiful old gold mining town of Julian, California at 4,200 feet about 1 hour north east of San Diego.  Our studio is located on a 10 acre apple orchard.  Clients may come to our studio to be cast or we can cast a face at a client's location in special circumstances. 

The process takes from 1 to 2 hours for the actual casting.  (Although the client only needs to hold still for about 5 minutes.)  The rest is then done by John afterward to create the face mask or torso.  Their are many options from an all natural clay cast to various glazing techniques to more elaborate art using the mold.

The following are testimonials from some past clients:

"Throughout the ages and in all cultures, face masks have been used as a medium to make sacred, immortalize and empower us. In contemporary society, masks have become powerful tools for promoting personal development by expressive art therapists.

John Heglin’s innovative casting techniques bring extraordinary detail to his face and body masks. Together with his artistry and personal sensitivity for the subject, he creates objects that can be highly therapeutic yet beautifully unique works of art at the same time. When words or simple imagery is not enough, John’s masks are probably the finest in this field. Those wishing to work on their self-image for whatever reason, or simply seeking a novel art form to depict loved ones, should visit John’s studio and explore the possibilities."

Hans de Haan, MD, PhD
San Diego, CA
 

"I enjoy so much having the sculpture of my torso on my bedroom wall, I decorate it with a necklace and a scarf, it looks like my mini "Le Louvre" collection! John is really an artist and knows how to make breasts look good! I also had my face casted..., my twinsister had hers done too and for the first time we really could compare our faces in 3 dimensions, fascinating!

It also makes great gifts for special occasions, we offered a good friend to have her breast casted by John for her 50th birthday, she said she never had such an original gift!"

Francoise G., tantra teacher

La Jolla, CA

therapeutic cast or for just a mask."

Katie

San Diego, CA

"Two years ago, I was introduced to John at the Volcan Mountain Preserve Foundation auction where he donated a casting for the cause. I thought it sounded interesting and a thing to do in my "70's" era.

My wife accompanied me to his studio, set in a beautiful apple orchard and next to the Menghini Winery. She was fascinated by the process of the face casting and also by John who had to work quickly before the plaster set up. All through the procedure John assured me that I would be breathing normally and that the nasal passages would be clear. I felt relaxed the whole time.

After many hours of skilled finishing work, the art piece was presented to me. In fact, there were several ensuing casts made using different materials and details which delighted me very much. It has been fun sharing them with friends and family."

Ronald Granquist
P.O. Box 2486
Julian, CA 92036 (760) 765 - 0138

Plain

 Fancy

The Process:

The victim client is prepared for casting using a special, unique process (sh! Trade secret).

Vaseline is applied as a mold release (also good for the skin).

Mold material is expertly applied.

Breathing is not impaired, so the client breaths comfortably and naturally.

Newspaper article from the San Diego Union Tribune:

Menghini art fest a vintage tradition

By Ruth Lepper
September 15, 2004

JULIAN – When a fire in the town hall delayed the opening of an art show, Mike Menghini offered the spacious grounds at his winery for artists to set up their exhibits.
That was 18 years ago, and the Menghini Arts & Music Festival is still going strong.
"It's just become a tradition," said Menghini. "People bring their chairs and sit here all afternoon, looking at the art and listening to the music."
The show is open to members of the Julian Arts Guild and other invited artists.
John Heglin will exhibit his sculptures at the show. This is his third year to participate. He specializes in life castings, mostly of faces and torsos.

"I've made a living most of my life as an artist/sculptor, working in clay, metal, glass and wood," said Heglin.
The life castings are considered therapeutic for cancer patients or anyone who wants to preserve their body image before it undergoes changes.
"I'm making a permanent representation of their form, then they can let go of that aspect of their illness," he said.
He uses a plaster-like substance to form a mold directly on a person's torso or face. After the mold is made, it takes about one month to complete the sculpture.
"They only need to sit for me one time, but some people come back to see the process," he said.
Heglin has been an artist since 1968 and has made castings for faces since 1974 and torsos since 1994. His sculptures are mainly done on commission.
"I've always been fascinated with faces and doing face casts," he said. "It's sort of like a facial massage for people who are experiencing it."
Heglin has amassed a series of faces that he calls his "20-year study."
"It's a collection of all these faces of ethnic backgrounds, of occupations, socioeconomic status, education level," he said. "I'm going to see if all these things show on a face."
He is "somewhere in the middle" of completing the collection.
A former professional dancer and choreographer with a background in psychology and counseling, Heglin has lived in Julian for three years.
Arlene Smith will be in the Menghini show for the first time. She makes small figures and pins from the wood of dead apple trees.
"I became an artist, because (Heglin) inspired me," she said. "I do clay, woodworking and stained glass."
Other arts and crafts at the festival will include watercolors, oils, acrylics, jewelry, ceramics and stained glass.
The music is being coordinated by Harry Joe Reynolds, who plays with the Volcan Mountain Boys. Several bands will play throughout the two-day event.

For more information about the Menghini Art & Music Festival, call the winery at (760) 765-2072.