San Jose resident Paulina Goff Stovall has made a name for herself as a professional pumpkin carver and will showcase her skills on the Food Network series “Halloween Wars,” which premieres on September 21, 2023. Stovall’s journey into the world of pumpkin artistry began at just 18 years old, when she carved a massive 600-pound pumpkin shaped like a funnel web spider for a corporate event.
Stovall recalls her early fascination with carving, stating, “I was so intrigued by the opportunity to carve live for entertainment. I love entertaining and have always been artistic.” She grew up participating in Halloween festivities with her three siblings, who have also pursued artistic careers, including two tattoo artists and a muralist.
From Hobby to Profession
Initially, Stovall started her carving journey using an X-Acto knife, a nod to which is reflected in her events company logo, Carved FX. Over the last 15 years, she transitioned to using ceramic sculpting tools, along with clay and woodworking equipment, which she sources primarily from Clay Planet in Santa Clara. “You could order these online, but I would rather support local businesses. I love the owners,” she explains.
Her commitment to local sourcing extends to her partnership with Spina Farms in south San Jose, from which she procures all her giant pumpkins. Stovall estimates that she uses approximately 20,000 pounds of pumpkin each year, highlighting Spina Farms’ ability to provide exactly what she needs for her creative projects.
Last year, for a garden party at Filoli, Stovall carved a series of intricate garden bugs over seven nights, including a five-foot garden snail crafted from two large pumpkins weighing 500 pounds. Her imaginative designs often draw inspiration from mythical creatures, showcasing her artistic range.
Live Engagement and Competition
Stovall’s work frequently involves live demonstrations at workshops, public festivals, and private corporate events, where she engages attendees in a unique team-building experience through pumpkin carving. Despite her preference for live performances, she also creates pre-sculpted displays due to her busy schedule.
On “Halloween Wars,” Stovall joins team Poisonous Perfection alongside sugar artist Jamie Louks from Seattle and cake artist Karine Turgeon from Quebec. This marks Stovall’s first foray into competitive carving. Each team is tasked with executing themed prompts that tell a cohesive story using edible materials, and Stovall has a penchant for spooky themes.
The integration of pumpkins into the competition adds a unique challenge, as Stovall notes that pumpkin’s moisture can complicate the sculpting process, especially when combined with sugar. “You have to understand the different chemistry of the ingredients and how they touch in certain ways,” she explains.
With her vibrant personality and artistic talent, Stovall is set to captivate audiences on “Halloween Wars.” For more information about her work, visit www.crvdfx.com.
