Since ancient times, the human body has been honored in paintings and sculpture as a work of art. Noticeable changes in regard to the ideal body shape--Renaissance tastes now border on the obese--nevertheless idealize the human body as toned, shapely and noble. A recent newcomer to the tradition of honoring the body as art is the do-it-yourself trend of belly casting.

What are Maternity Belly Casts?

Think of papier mache using plaster strips instead of paper to create a replica of an expectant mother's belly. Several layers of wet plaster strips are applied to the mom's torso, usually in the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, and then peeled away from the body when dry. The plaster sets in as little as five minutes with fast-setting strips, or up to half an hour.

Belly casting is definitely growing in popularity, and for good reason. It's a wonderful, three-dimensional work of art that serves as a great keepsake for the mother, as well as the baby that's in the oven. It's wonderfully intimate a great way to have fun and bond with your close friends and family.

Is it Art?

Left in its natural state, the unadorned plaster may remind you of Venus goddesses and sculptures representing fertility. They're also often hand painted and decorated in many limitless and beautiful styles and patterns. It's your decision to call it art but how you display it will influence how others will perceive it.

For instance, if you took a simple sketch and mounted it in an ornate, gold frame with a large mat border, the sketch will be viewed as prized art. Now take the belly cast and mount it using an iron rod on a rectangular granite slab. Contemporary art? Perhaps you should ask yourself whether you find the pregnant form beautiful. You may not consider it a work of art but sentimentality has its value.

Is it Too Much Information?

After the cast has set and dried, what do you do with it? This life-size sculpture is an attention grabber and conversation piece. You may feel comfortable displaying your body parts for all to see but will others feel the same way? Reactions largely depend on individual preferences and mores.

Maternity belly casts are wonderful mementos that capture one of life's precious moments. But it's not for everyone. Consider your entertaining style and personal aesthetic, and see if belly casts fit in a way that makes you and others feel comfortable.