“‘Darkness’, as it inspires me, isn’t limited to expressions of evil, mayhem, and bad outcomes. Something can also be considered “dark” if it is unknown, misunderstood, or incorrectly interpreted.” ~ The Book of Dark Sentiments The Artistry of Ray Villafane (sample above) and his fellow Artists Andy Bergholtz and Chris Vierra who together form the creative […]
Dark Sentiments 2010 included a profile of the work of incredibly gifted sculptor Ray Villafane. Famous for his artistry in pumpkin carving which I focused on last year, he began sculpting professionally in the field of toys and statues based on comic book heroes, and since 2008 has been working his magic at sand sculpture.
No season of Dark Sentiments would be complete without our annual foray into the shenanigans and goings on perpetrated by the denizens of Villafane Studios. Always exciting and constantly honing their craft, we’ve been keeping a watchful eye on Ray Villafane and his merry band since the very beginning with DS2010. Although they run events […]
Ray Villafane and Andy Bergholtz of Villafane Studios have been a necessity here since the very first season. This year on 19 and 20 October 2013, they are once again participating in The Haunted Pumpkin Garden at the New York Zoological Garden (that annual NYZG event is on now, and runs until 31 October 2013). The […]
Our next featured artist for 2012 has been a Dark Sentiments fixture since the beginning. Ray Villafane’s pumpkin carving and sand sculpture represent dark arts against which there is no defense. To get the gist, watch Ray’s 2011 zombification of a couple record sized pumpkins for the New York Bontanical Gardens – You can also […]
Artist Ray Villafane lives in northern Michigan with his wife and six children. Among other noteworthy accomplishments, he is famous for his pumpkin carving, and today I’m presenting a selection of seasonally appropriate creations that struck me as having come from the darker part of his soul.