I adore it when people ask me to create a ceramic torso based on their body.
It is nerve wrecking of course, because so much can go wrong - anytime.
You start by applying plaster strips over the skin. And then you make a plaster replica, filling in any under cuts with clay..
You now need to build clay walls all around the replica in order to contain the fresh plaster poured over it in order to create the mould.
Ah – you do that as well. I went with a friend when she had her’s done. It turned out so well. And yes, I can imagine everything that could go wrong. Scary