Pumpkin Carving By Ray Villafane

Relocated in 1993 to Northern Michigan where he lives with his wife and 6 children. He has had work published in Society Illustrators Annual American Illustration, HOW Magazine, Reflex Magazine, Problems & Solutions, and Upper and Lower Case Periodical. He has pieces shown at the New York Art Directors Club, Society Illustrators Musuem American Illustration,Spaces Gallery and Jordan River Arts Gallery. His clients include Sideshow Collectibles, Reflex Publications, DC Direct, McFarlane Toys, and Bowen Designs.
A jack-o'-lantern (formerly also known as a Jack o' the lantern) is typically a carved pumpkin. It is associated chiefly with the holiday Halloween, and was named after the phenomenon strange light flickering over peat bogs, called ignis fatuus or jack-o'-lantern. In a jack-o'-lantern, typically the top is cut f, and the inside flesh then scooped out; an image, usually a monstrous face, is carved onto the outside surface, and the lid replaced. At night, a light is placed inside to illuminate the effect.
Sections the pumpkin are cut out to make a hole ten depicting a face, usually menacing like a demon or devil. A variety tools may be used to carve and hollow out the gourd, ranging from simple knives and spoons to specialized instruments, typically sold in holiday sections grocery stores. Printed stencils can be used as a guide for increasingly complex designs. After carving, a light source (traditionally a candle) is placed inside the pumpkin and the top is put back into place. The light illuminates the design from the inside. Sometimes a chimney is carved in. It is possible to create surprisingly artistic designs, be they simple or intricate in nature. But towards the end the 20th century, artists began expressing every kind idea they could imagine on pumpkins. Today, it is common to see portraits political candidates, celebrities and cartoon characters. Pumpkin painting is also common, especially for children whose parents don't want them handling the sharp tools involved in carving.