If you have followed me for while, you will know that there are two major driving forces behind my photography...
Helping and encouraging Mums to exist in their family photographs…
…and supporting other local Mums in business.
We have so many businesses here in Kent which are owned and run by incredible local Mums and I think that should be celebrated.
So, each month (or as close to that as I can get!) I have the absolute honour of introducing you to one of them.
This month I would love you to meet Zoe Lockwood, Kent Mummy-of-two, professionally trained Life Caster and the proud owner of Ellivio Castings.
I recently spent a lovely morning with Zoe at her home studio in Rochester...
I got to see her work her magic on some of her beautiful pieces and while she worked, we chatted about how passionate she is about preserving moments and memories for families to treasure forever.
Tell us about your business and what services you offer?
Here at Ellivio Castings we specialise in crafting lifelike replicas of body parts, focusing primarily on hands and feet.
Whether it's the delicate hands of a newborn, the playful feet of toddlers, the bond between family members, the romance or celebration of an anniversary between couples, or even the cherished paw prints of beloved pets, we expertly capture these moments for eternity.
Our bespoke service ensures that treasured memories are preserved in stone, offering both framed displays and freestanding sculptures.
We understand the significance of commemorating life's early and late stages, and if you've missed a moment, we're here to help create a lasting tribute to your loved ones in a memorial setting.
Is there a story behind the name you chose?
The name "Ellivio" is a fusion of my daughter Olivia's and son Elliott's names, serving as the driving force behind my passion for this craft.
Their influence inspires me to strive for excellence in every aspect of my work, from technique to materials.
What do you offer to your clients that no-one else does?
At Ellivio Castings, we take pride in our commitment to quality, employing the best techniques and materials to achieve unparalleled detail.
Unlike the DIY approach often associated with life casting, I pursued rigorous training from Lucy at Lumilos, a renowned sculptor based in Dundee.
Additionally, mastering airbrush techniques sets me apart, ensuring seamless finishes that accentuate the intricacies captured in each casting.
A final touch of our secret layer adds an antique finish, enhancing the beauty of every fine detail.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration stems from my own family and children, driving me to preserve every fleeting stage before they grow.
Witnessing the emotional impact our finished pieces have on clients, often moving them to tears, fuels my dedication to preserving cherished memories.
What is your favourite part of your job?
As for my favourite part of the process, it's difficult to choose.
From connecting with customers and refining details to the sheer satisfaction of airbrushing and the joy of seeing their reactions upon receiving the final product, every step brings me immense fulfilment.
If you would like to know more about the wonderful work that Zoe does, please visit her website here and give her a follow (and your support) on social media:
Claire xx
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