- Who is EssentiallyExistential?
- Do you carve foam/faux pumpkins?
- What are the dimensions of the pumpkins?
- How long do the carvings last?
- How do I make pumpkins last longer?
- How do you light your pumpkins?
- Do you work events?
- What do you do outside the season?
- Got any tips for carving my own pumpkins?
Who is EssentiallyExistential?
EssentiallyExistential is run by me, a hobbyist turned freelancee artist, in the SoCal area. I have been carving pumpkins in this style for 12 years.
Do you carve foam/faux pumpkins?
No, due to health and safety issues with the foam, I primarily work in the organic medium. Upon request, I can carve other fruits and vegetables. Melon is a good medium for jack-o-lanterns when pumpkins are out of season.
What are the dimensions of the pumpkins?
Small - less than 10 lbs, less than 6 in tall
Medium - 10-20 lbs, ~10 in tall
Large -15-25 lbs, ~12in tall
XLarge - 20-30 lbs, ~16 in tall
Giant - anything larger
The average grocery store pumpkin is a medium or large. If your vision involves a giant canvas, I'm more than willing to accomodate.
How long do the carvings last?
It depends on the display setting, the type of carving, and just the individual pumpkins.
First, if the intention of the carving is to be fully hollowed out and set up like a jack-o-lantern, then it will not last as long a pumpkin with only the surface etched. Complex or large carvings will expose the pumpkin to more chances to rot. A warm/humid environment and hot light source also add to the odds of rotting. I've had pumpkins bought at the same time, uncarved, and one rotted within the week while the other lasted 7 months. So it can be the luck of the draw.
On average, a fully carved jack-o-lanterns will last 3 - 21 days and an etched only pumpkin can last much longer. Both will look their best in the first 2-7 days.
How do I make pumpkins last longer?
You can extend its life with a few techniques. First, keep the pumpkin wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in cool dry place (refrigerator recommended) when not on display. A water and bleach solution to control for mold by spraying or dunking the pumpkin. An ice bath will also firm up any wilting or shrivelling. Allow it to sit in the bath for at least an hour to overnight. WetNForget mold solution along with UV curing I have heard are also techniques used in the business.
I will use all of the above techniques for your order, but feel free to apply these techniques to extend its life. However, at the end of the day, this is an impermanent art and an endeavor against the inevitable. The medium is a reminder of memento mori and really aligns with the spirit of the season. We, too, are pumpkins.
How do you light your pumpkins?
I can accomodate different lighting set ups. I usually carve using a LED light bulb. If you want to use a different light source for your display, please let me know. If you have the capability to light the pumpkin with an outlet, I recomend that light source. If not possible, fake candles or rechargeable camping lights. They often only last a day or two and need to be recharged or batteries changed. If you want real candles, just make a note in your inquiry and I can carve with that in mind. Stands and light set ups are not included in base price and discussed during the inquiry phase to meet your needs.
Do you work events?
I'm open to the idea of working events as a live carving/ guest engagement activity, but it would have to fit within my schedule. I do not offer classes nor workshops at this time.
What do you do outside the season?
I can carve fruits and vegetables for any occasion! I, also, bake if you're interested. Funny enough, I also am getting into pottery and clay sculpting as a hobby. The reverse order of how most professional pumpkin carvers get intothe business!
Got any tips for carving my own pumpkins?
I'm always down to talk shop! First off, I believe any artist can carve at this level. As long as you have some background in drawing and additive vs subractive sculpting, you are good to go. Here are some quick tips:
- Cheap clay tools are all you need. I still work with my first set.
- Cut from the bottom or back, not the top. The stem is great to maneuver the pumpkin while carving and some say it keeps it fresh longer.
- If you want it to last longer, put it in the fridge during carving and wipe with a disinfectant before carving.
- I would only plan a design with 3 or 4 layers as a start if you are etching.
- You have to think dark to light instead of light to dark like pencil drawing. To shade you got do the reverse/negative of a image or focus on the highlight. (This is what I mean with additive vs subtractive sculpting)
- Line work is easier when the lines are light and the background is dark. Lino cutters/gouges work best.
- If you are making a design with dark lines and light background, use an exacto knife around lines
- Don’t slice at an angle, straight 90 degree cuts in
- Slice the outline then remove the flesh. If you jump the gun it can be hard to remember where lines end and begin when the ink eventually comes off.
- The layers you plan to cut shouldn't go down to the part of the pumpkin that is fibrous. Don't hit that layer. About an inch.
- Super glue or toothpick your mistakes back on. Not necessary, I didn't start hiding my mistakes til like 2020.
- Washable Pen/marker and a clorox wipe is my go to for freehand drawings
- Also tracing/carbon paper and printed image is a technique, scratch onto pumpkin with a toothpick or mechanical pencil
- Lay a newspaper down with a trash bag underneath or next to you
- In delicate spots, cut with your finger supporting or be mindful of it giving all of a sudden. Be gentle when something doesn't want to give.
- Your hand will smudge the pumpkin, be careful.
- Have some good tunes, have fun, and let me see your art!
