2008 Woodie Awards
Bibbity, Bobbity,
What will your pumpkin do?
Adrienne Smith
Issue date: 10/18/06 Section: Entertainment
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Since the dawn of time it seems people have been carving pumpkins to put out on display. Where did the phenomenon of using a knife to carve a face into a pumpkin come from? There is an old Irish legend that tells the tale of a conniving man named Jack and his run-in with the devil. To make a long story short he uses the symbol of the cross to trick the devil and capture him. Only to free him after he has agreed that he would never claim Jack's soul. When Jack died, being the sinner that he was, heaven rejected him and sent him to hell. The devil refused him as promised, and sent him back here to roam the earth with a burning coal to light his trail. Jack placed the coal in a hollowed out turnip he used as a lantern, hence the term, "Jack o' Lantern."
There is more than one rendition of that story, however. I have just heard it for the first time, and yet have carved many a beautiful pumpkin year after year with no idea why, except for entertainment purposes and in certain situations, artistic value. So I ask you, pumpkin carving- craft or tradition? Some artists would argue: craft; I think most of us would say, both. I conducted a little research on the topic and came across an interesting website: www.extremepumpkins.com .
Let's just say this site is not for sissy carvers, nor is it for the un-imaginative. It includes pumpkin designs that probably aren't suitable for the average trick-or-treaters but could provide plenty of laughs for your buddies. The Hannibal Pumpkin, Drunk Pumpkin, Beer Cooler Pumpkin, Mullet Pumpkin, and my personal favorite the Puking Pumpkin, are all the original designs of Tom Nardone; and after reviewing his site I couldn't resist contacting him to ask a few questions. "Sketch it and then carve it. It is simple and fun," said Nardone when I asked for advice he gives amateur carvers.
I came to discover that he wasn't only a pumpkin artist but more, "I do metal sculpture mostly although I have some experience with clays, foam and cast bronze. I prefer welded metal because I like to use fire to burn metal. It is fun," said Nardone.
Extremepumpkins.com doesn't just feature his pumpkins, but also offers a contest each year where anyone is welcome to send in pictures of their own designed jack o' lanterns. According to the website, "We'll reward everyone whose photo we use. So send them in now. The prizes range from crappy to really crappy, but it is worth a laugh." I am beyond curious to see what the prize would be, just for a chuckle if nothing else.