The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Pitten‘scream’: Artist’s Halloween pumpkins of eerie East Neuk scenes
Moti Black set herself the challenge of one carving per day in run-up to October 31
Pittenweem has become Pitten“scream” in the run-up to Halloween, thanks to the efforts of a scarily talented artist.
Pumpkins depicting scenes from the East Neuk village have been appearing in a local shop window in time for the spookiest night of the year.
The eerie creations are the result of hours of work by artist Caroline Blackler, who set herself a challenge to carve a pumpkin every day during October.
The 39-year-old, known professionally as Moti Black, began by creating flower and animal pictures but soon moved to intricate scenes of local streets and buildings, all of which went down a storm with villagers.
Her ambitious finale is a panoramic view of Pittenweem as seen from West Shore, carved on to a giant pumpkin grown in her own garden. It should be on display in the window of gallery and bistro The Dory from today.
While illness earlier in the month slowed her attempt, Caroline said she will ensure all 31 pumpkins are carved – just not before Halloween.
“I’ve done 25 so I only have another six to go,” she said.
“I was up all night carving the panoramic one but I think I probably still have another five hours of work to go on it.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever done this and it’s the first time I’ve carved a pumpkin I grew myself.”
Caroline is normally a watercolour artist and likes to take her time over her work.
“Having to do something in just one night has definitely focused me,” she said.
“I’m pleasantly surprised by the reaction. People have been so complimentary and the local scenes have really captured people.”
Her personal favourite is a view of the Isle of May at low light but she said there were many others to choose from.
“I also did the Dreel Halls in Anstruther. That looked really effective.”
Most of the initial pumpkins carved have already rotted and only three or four are now on display.
The finished ones will not go to waste, however. “They’ll all be composted at the end to make sure they go back to nature,” said Caroline.
Pittenweem’s pumpkins are an incredible sight to behold this year. The ambitious efforts of artist Caroline Blackler have certainly been brightening the village in the run-up to Halloween.
The October festival may not be to everyone’s tastes — especially in its recent appropriation of Americana.
However, endeavours such as Caroline’s can lift the gloom at a time of shortening days and little sunlight.
The more people carving such a fun niche, the better.