Inside the studio of a master pumpkin carver

Ray Villafane is a master pumpkin carver. Using the tools of a sculptor he give pumpkins lifelike faces. Once you see his jackolanterns you will never look at a pumpkin the same way again.

He used to make money as a professional sculptor carving collectables for Marvel. Now he is a full-time pumpkin carver and sand castle maker. Yes, that’s a job. His art has taken him all over the world.

It’s possible you have seen Ray before on the popular Halloween Wars show on the Food Network. 

Each Halloween he creates a pumpkin town in Cave Creek, Arizona, that draws crowds from around The Valley to see his sculptures.

I met up with Ray for a story AZCentral was doing on his creations. 

For this story, timing was everything. There is a small window where a lot happens at his studio in a short period of time. Carved pumpkins don’t stay fresh for long. The days leading up to his yearly show in Cave Creek is a whirlwind of activity. Pumpkins are carved around the clock. Sculptors fly in around around the world to lend Ray a hand.

The result is something unique to see. The time element makes the work extra special. It’s almost like a mandala. It’s not meant to survive. It’s meant to be appreciated in the moment.