Pumpkin Painting
During September - October 2021, I worked as a pumpkin artist at the Minnesota Zoo. The art pumpkins were part of an event called "Jack-o-Lantern-Spectacular", a display of thousands of freshly carved pumpkins along a half mile path through the woods. About 150 large art pumpkins were displayed alongside smaller, traditionally carved pumpkins.
The art pumpkins are very large, weighing between 80 to more than 100 pounds. The drawings were made with alcohol ink markers and with paint brushes and liquid ink. Once the drawing was complete, the pumpkin's surface was lightly carved to create highlights. When ready to display, the pumpkin was cut open through the back and the seeds removed. The pumpkin was then placed on the trail and a light placed inside to create a luminous, glowing image.
Working alongside a team of talented artists was an extremely rewarding experience.
