There are many reasons why fall is the best season, but the overbearing presence of pumpkin is the main reason. Personally, I can’t wait to get my hands on everything pumpkin-flavored and cover my porch with different shapes and sizes of pumpkins. The company Maniac Pumpkin Carvers has taken a new spin on the fall favorite by carving intricate, stunning pumpkin art featuring detailed images or company brands.
The company lives up to its name, because these pumpkins are truly unbelievable. They’ve been featured in the Museum of Modern Art, Food Network’s Halloween Wars, and Good Morning America, just to name a few.
Creators Chris Soria and Marc Evan started this innovative and festive art form after years of decorating haunted houses at their high school. They both attended Parsons School of Design, and shortly after decided to break the barrier of pumpkin art and do what had never been done before.
But what makes pumpkin art so desirable when pumpkins only last a few days after being carved? These expert carvers love that their art has a temporary nature. They see it as poetry. “Life is ephemeral too; things are not meant to last forever,” says one member of the company.
Maniac Pumpkin Carvers believes the fact that the pumpkin will only be around for a short time makes the art even more precious. It must be enjoyed as it decomposes from the second they begin carving.
They’ve carved for football stadiums, pop stars, and two different World Series. Some of their biggest moments (literally) included carving giant pumpkins for Good Morning America, Coney Island, and an 1,800-pound pumpkin for the New York Botanical Garden.
Other impressive clients they’ve had through the years are BMW, YouTube, and Google. Since it’s a seasonal form of art, they’re in high demand during the fall, then return to their traditional art forms the rest of the year.
Chris and Marc are accomplished muralists with experience in illustration as well. Each member of the team, beyond the two main carvers, brings a unique artistic eye to each carving.
“We put a lot of time, sweat, and love into our pumpkins, enjoying the process of creating it, and relishing in the enjoyment others find in our work,” Chris and Marc say about their business.
Another highlight of their careers was the first all-pumpkin art gallery show in NYC at Cotton Candy Machine gallery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in which each of the 15 pumpkins paid tribute to a featured gallery artist
“We are also so proud of the fact that we have found a niche and helped to push forward a new genre of art,” they say of their work. Maniac Pumpkin Carvers have made pumpkin carving cool again, and they don’t plan on stopping any time soon.
They plan to keep growing their business, while expanding their reach and working with more amazing people. They’ve hinted that big things are ahead, so keep your eyes out for them in the future!
You can go to their website to see more amazing examples of their work, and also check them out on Instagram. You never know when you might need an epic centerpiece for your next Halloween party.