Taylor Swift is known for her ever-changing look with each new album release, but even she would be surprised by Taylor Swiftkin, a 399-pound pumpkin painted to resemble her.
This incredible creation is the work of Jeanette Paras, an artist who chooses a famous figure to adorn her oversized pumpkin canvas every year.
“I select whoever is currently the hottest topic in the media and pop culture. It depends on their relevance and the attention they’re receiving in the media,” explained Paras in an interview with Yahoo Entertainment. “And is there anyone bigger or hotter than Taylor Swift? She’s simply amazing.”
Paras, who sources her giant pumpkins from grower friends and transports them home using a flatbed truck and forklift, has been painting these massive gourds for 35 years, unveiling them each Halloween season. This year, fans from far and wide are flocking to see her depiction of the “Look What You Made Me Do” singer.
Taylor Swiftkin, complete with Swift’s iconic red lips, dangling earrings, and a massive blonde wig styled with precision bangs, proudly sits on the front steps of Paras’s home in Dublin, Ohio.
Fans of Swift will also recognize Paras’s tribute to the singer’s rumored beau, Travis Kelce. Alongside Taylor Swiftkin, a smaller 25-pound pumpkin has been painted to resemble a football, complete with brown and white colors and the abbreviation “NPL” (National Pumpkin League). It rests atop a red bucket, with the number 87, Kelce’s jersey number for the Kansas City Chiefs, painted in white.
Paras’s annual pumpkin masterpiece is no small feat. Yahoo Entertainment had the opportunity to speak with the dedicated artist, delving into her inspiration behind choosing Taylor Swift and whether she has received any feedback from the singer herself. The following interview has been edited for brevity.
1. What inspired you to transform giant pumpkins into celebrities?
Who doesn’t love enormous celebrity pumpkins? It’s eccentric, and I understand that. I wouldn’t consider myself an artist; I think of myself more as a comedian because it takes a sense of humor to do this. But 35 years ago, I had these two baby pumpkins that weighed approximately 100 pounds each. I thought, “I’m going to turn them into the presidential candidates at the time, George H. Bush and Michael Dukakis.” I found it amusing, mainly because I find myself funny. So, for my own entertainment, that’s how it started. Over the years, it grew in popularity.
2. Can you explain the process of creating the 399-pound “Taylor Swiftkin” pumpkin?
By the end of September or early October, I have usually decided which figure to depict on the giant pumpkin canvas. The process begins with researching photos and making multiple small sketches. Remember, the canvas is an enormous pumpkin. Then I create a to-scale sketch, which takes several days of preparation.
The actual painting does not take long; it’s about 10 or 12 hours of painting. I spray two coats of clear coat matte finish to protect the paint because the pumpkin sits on my front porch. Then comes the “dress rehearsal” to attach the hair. By the way, Taylor Swiftkin has nine wigs. I’m thrilled that I found the perfect match for her hair color. After the dress rehearsal, I remove all the hair, and we tease the reveal on social media for about a month.
3. Have you received any communication from Taylor Swift herself about the pumpkin?
Let me tell you this: If that were to happen, and if we were aware of it, everyone would hear about it from me.
