As autumn approaches in Half Moon Bay, California, Mike Valladao, a systems engineer by profession, once again assumes his seasonal persona as “Farmer Mike,” a renowned pumpkin carver who has been transforming giant pumpkins into intricate works of art for 40 years. Known among enthusiasts as the “Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers,” Valladao combines his engineering background with creativity to sculpt a wide range of figures, from whimsical faces to pop culture icons.
Valladao’s journey into pumpkin carving began in the mid-1980s when he started growing large pumpkins at his San Jose home. Faced with massive gourds and uncertain about how to use them, he began experimenting with carving faces into the pumpkins. His approach draws heavily on an engineer’s methodical mindset, treating each carving like assembling hardware—layer by layer. Over time, this hobby evolved into a distinctive art form marked by three-dimensional effects achieved through careful manipulations of the pumpkin’s thick skin.
The artist’s carvings often feature a variety of motifs, including mythical creatures like dragons, witches, seaside landscapes, and popular characters such as Yoda and Charlie Brown. Valladao finds inspiration in everyday observations, such as distinctive facial features he encounters while walking down the street or from artworks viewed in museums. Despite lacking formal artistic training, he has refined his technique to create illusions of depth, with recessed eyes and protruding noses, emphasizing the interplay between shallow and deep cuts to bring his designs to life.
Valladao’s work has become a fixture of the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, a two-day event held every October along the California coast south of San Francisco, famous for its giant pumpkin weigh-off. The festival first invited him to exhibit in 1986 after seeing a photograph of his carvings. While Valladao once grew an 800-pound pumpkin, he now prefers to focus on carving rather than competing in size contests. At the festival, fans can watch him carve live onstage as part of the celebration.
Beyond Half Moon Bay, Valladao’s artistry has taken him to notable venues across the United States, including the San Diego Zoo, the California Academy of Sciences, and the State Fair of Texas. He has even appeared on national television, sharing his craft with a wider audience. His preferred medium is the Atlantic pumpkin, which can weigh between 100 and 1,000 pounds and has a thick enough rind to support his layered carving style.
Valladao views his pumpkin art as inherently transient, embracing the natural aging process of the gourds without naming his creations. “In some cases, they’ll build character,” he said, acknowledging the fleeting nature of his work. Despite four decades of carving, Valladao shows no signs of slowing down. “It’s fun, it’s enjoyable and, quite frankly, it’s a piece of me,” he said, emphasizing the personal fulfillment he derives from the seasonal craft.