Meet the Carvers #8: Vernon "Vern" FordPosted: Oct 25 2007
Posted by BlazeBlogger in Meet the Carvers |
Vernon "Vern" Ford has spent several evenings doing carving demonstrations at Blaze. He took some time off to participate in our MtC series.
BB: What's your day job?
VF: I'm a graphic designer, real estate sales agent, and writer of short stories and poetry.
BB: What kind of carvings are you working on for Blaze 2007?
VF: The giant spider web, funkin fish for sale in the gift shop, spiders, Celtic knots, Dead Sea denizens, dinosaurs...
BB: A lot.
VF: Absolutely.
BB: Are you working on any other Blaze-related items?
VF: I worked on the giant pumpkin arches, the skeleton constructions, and the mother spider.
BB: What are your preferred carving tools and methods?
VF: I like to use a number 2 X-Acto knife, preferably with its blade changed often.
BB: Got any carving tips for a novice?
VF: Select the thinnest portion of the pumpkin to carve and take your time. Haste makes waste.
BB: What's your favorite pumpkin-based food?
VF: Pumpkin pie, warmed up with whipped cream on top.
BB: What's your favorite Halloween movie?
VF: How about ET!
BB: Offbeat, but a classic, and yes, I suppose it is a Halloween movie!
BB: Toasted pumpkin seeds: Salt or no salt?
VF: I never salt anything I eat.
BB: What makes pumpkins so special?
VF: They are all American.
BB: If I were a carved pumpkin, I'd be...
VF: Orange and all cut up, scarred for life and no place to go, but wait to be set aglow, or rather, wired and blazing. If Pierre Van Cortlandt could see his place now!
BB: Ha ha! Thank you, Vern!
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Comments (21)
Subscribe to this comment's feedMy Neighbor Vern
written by Seema Boesky, March 12, 2008 @ 01:58 PM
written by Seema Boesky, March 12, 2008 @ 01:58 PM
I had no idea I bought a home next to this talented man! He's a delightful and friendy neighbor, and now I've learned he's multi-talented. I look forward to next October for guide lines on how to so up a house for Halloween.
Vern's wife
written by GG, November 13, 2007 @ 10:55 AM
written by GG, November 13, 2007 @ 10:55 AM
Vern loves to carve and loves The Blaze, just to let all his fans know, he really appreciates all your comments, we are working on a web site for him, meanwhile you can view his daughters site www.moniquecreate.com. Thanks again.
Blaze - Best Show in Town
written by Regina Cruz, November 01, 2007 @ 06:54 PM
written by Regina Cruz, November 01, 2007 @ 06:54 PM
Unfortunately, I think we went on a "non" Vern day. We were hoping to get a glimpse of him carving one of his masterpieces. We loved the blaze event and loved Vern's giant spider web. There is nothing like it and I'm sure next year will even be bigger and better. Does anyone know if Vern's poetry has been published?
Blaze was GREAT!
written by Ann, November 01, 2007 @ 01:24 PM
written by Ann, November 01, 2007 @ 01:24 PM
I too saw Vern last night. He commented on my Halloween costume and then laughed. My mother recognized him immediately from his picture here in the Vern blog. She bought one of Vern's carved pumpkins from the gift store. Thanks for Blaze. We had a real good time.
Blaze on Halloween
written by Ann, November 01, 2007 @ 01:18 PM
written by Ann, November 01, 2007 @ 01:18 PM
I was at Blaze on Halloween night and guess what, I saw Vern. He wasn't carving. He was inside the show by the fish pumpkins. I said hi, but I was too nervous to talk to him about his pumpkin designs. He was very friendly and was giving some interesting facts about the pumpkin displays. It was a thrill to actually see him in person. Blaze was the best and seeing Vern was the icing on top. We will be back next year for sure.
Beautifully Designed
written by Joseph Dyer, October 31, 2007 @ 09:33 AM
written by Joseph Dyer, October 31, 2007 @ 09:33 AM
I bought my carved pumpkin done by artist Vern last weekend. I asked the sales assistant if I could look on the base in order to see the signature. He looked confused when I said, "This is the one. It's signed by Vern." I guess I'm one of the lucky ones! If you are going to Blaze, be sure to stop by the gift shop to get your limited-edition 2007 hand carved pumpkin by Vern. You have to go to the shop at the end of the exhibit in the building. I don't think they sell them in the tent shop. Mine is proudly displayed in the family room. It looks great! We love blaze. There is no event that comes close. See everyone next year.
The Coveted Vern Pumpkin
written by Adam, October 31, 2007 @ 05:54 AM
written by Adam, October 31, 2007 @ 05:54 AM
My neighbor told me that someone on Craigs List was selling a hand carved pumpkin made by Vern Ford. What's next, ebay? I already went to blaze on October 6. I bought a cool blaze baseball cap and a nice warm sweatshirt, but didn't buy a pumpkin. If I knew that these pumpkins were going to be so popular, I would have bought one. Maybe the blaze people will make these highly sort after "Vern Pumpkins" available online for those who missed out. What designs does he put on the pumpkins? Does he have a website? Blaze was FANTASTIC! 
Vern Nation
written by Lindsey, October 30, 2007 @ 09:41 PM
written by Lindsey, October 30, 2007 @ 09:41 PM
How much are the Vern t-shirts? Are they sold online? Blaze was a blast! I can't wait to see it again next year.
-- LinZe
-- LinZe
See him if you can... before he's gone
written by The Lynch Family, October 30, 2007 @ 09:38 PM
written by The Lynch Family, October 30, 2007 @ 09:38 PM
We came to Blaze a couple of week's ago and were very fortunate to see and meet Vern. In addition to being a talented artist, he is very personalable, charming and charismatic. If you get the chance to see Vern giving a carving demonstration, don't miss it. The man is larger-than-life and a great part of the pumpkin blaze experience. Each year on the night before Halloween, we sit together with our kids and carve our jack 'o lanterns. This year, our designs will reflect creative ideas we learned by watching Vern. Thanks so much for making this season a very special one for our family.
Sign me up, too!
written by Maria, October 30, 2007 @ 12:25 PM
written by Maria, October 30, 2007 @ 12:25 PM
I'll join the fan club, too! I'm coming to Blaze on Halloween night and will be dressed up as a princess. I also have to see why everyone is going crazy about this Vern guy. How will I know which pumpkins were made by Vern? Do they have sections for each artist? This is my first time to Blaze. Do they sell t-shirts with Vern's designs on them?
Can I buy a pumpkin online?
written by Vanessa, October 30, 2007 @ 10:06 AM
written by Vanessa, October 30, 2007 @ 10:06 AM
Can I order a VERN pumpkin online? There are several designs available, but I don't see where I can request one carved by Vern. Do they cost more? I'd love to buy 2 and give one as a gift for Christmas. Imagine the joy of someone opening up a present and finding out that they have an original Vern-designed pumpkin. Blazeblogger can you help ! ! !
Lucky You
written by Kathleen, October 30, 2007 @ 08:35 AM
written by Kathleen, October 30, 2007 @ 08:35 AM
Judy, I too was at Blaze last night and was looking to join the "Vern Craze". I had heard from a friend that Vern designed some pumpkins that were for sale to the public. I asked the salesperson in the shop if she had any pumpkins designed by Vern. She said that a lot of people who were buying the handcarved pumpkins were specifically asking for an original "Vern". The "Verns" were all gone, but I bought a beautiful jack 'o lantern carved by one of the other talented artists at Van Cortland Manor. I was a little disappointed at first, but now when I look at my pumpkin in the front window, it reminds me of my great time at the Blaze event. See you next year. Maybe then I'll be lucky to add a "Vern" to my collection. 
Hand-carved Pumpkin
written by Judy, October 30, 2007 @ 08:09 AM
written by Judy, October 30, 2007 @ 08:09 AM
I bought a hand-craved pumpkin and some other goodies from the Blaze gift shop last night. When I got home, I turned it over and noticed that the pumpkin was signed on the bottom. Guess what... Vern carved it and his autograph is on the pumpkin. How great is that. I now have an artistic keepsake (maybe even a prized collectible) actually designed by master carver Vern. I just thought I'd share this on Vern's blog. This made my Blaze experience even better than expected.
Add me to the Vern Fan Club
written by Nat, October 29, 2007 @ 07:43 PM
written by Nat, October 29, 2007 @ 07:43 PM
Vern is too cool! Count me in as a member of the fan club 
Vern's Designs
written by Gabriella, October 29, 2007 @ 03:55 PM
written by Gabriella, October 29, 2007 @ 03:55 PM
Which jack o' lanterns did Vern create? I'll bet he made some of the snakes. They were amazing. I've been reading so much about Vern that I was hoping to meet him last night. This blog has made him a celebrity. I'll be tagging along with some friends on Tuesday night. Maybe we'll get to see Vern. If you haven't been to Blaze yet, don't miss it! Only a few days left.
The Artist
written by Lulu Ann, October 27, 2007 @ 03:38 PM
written by Lulu Ann, October 27, 2007 @ 03:38 PM
After reading Vern's interview and all the comments, I'd love to meet the artist in person. I hope he's carving Saturday night. My girlfriends and I have 8PM tickets. I hope there's a Vern sighting. Does Vern have a website with his designs and poetry?
Gotta See Vern
written by Mary Hilton, October 26, 2007 @ 03:34 PM
written by Mary Hilton, October 26, 2007 @ 03:34 PM
Is Vern carving this weekend? We're coming on Saturday 10/27. We'd love to meet him and maybe get some carving tips. From what I've been reading here in this blog, Vern must be the most famous pumpkin carver in all of Westchester County. I'd love to have my picture taken with him.
He's Great!!!
written by Jack Skellington, October 26, 2007 @ 01:33 PM
written by Jack Skellington, October 26, 2007 @ 01:33 PM
I got to see Vern in the big tent last night! He is an amazing carver! After watching him I'm ready to start a masterpiece 
His Momma spider was neat, all the kids loved it! thanks for all the hard work Vern!
His Momma spider was neat, all the kids loved it! thanks for all the hard work Vern!
It's Vern
written by Shirley, October 26, 2007 @ 01:24 PM
written by Shirley, October 26, 2007 @ 01:24 PM
We saw Vern giving a carving demonstration. He's very talented. It's nice to see him here in the blog.
dedicated carver
written by CB, October 26, 2007 @ 09:41 AM
written by CB, October 26, 2007 @ 09:41 AM
Vern you are a dedicated carver and your work is wonderful.
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