Biography

Pumpkin Knauer is a filmmaker and photographer. They were in the IMP magnet program at Parkville Highschool, where they earned their Adobe Photoshop certification. They are currently enrolled in Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, going for their Bachelors in the Photography and Video Program. They create work that has a vivid narrative focusing on topics about identity and self expression. Their work has been featured in the BCPS Art Show at the Baltimore Museum of Art, and in the “This Is Me” exhibit at PCAD. They have also directed four short films.








In my work I frequently mix elements of horror and vintage imagery that pays homage to the past while incorporating modern topics of queer life and struggles to create work that is both thought provoking and aesthetically pleasing. I take alot of inspiration from old films, and I use older filmmaking techniques in my work, including miniatures, matte painting and practical effects to create a hand made feeling that shows an extra level of care and intimacy. I am extremely inspired by the directors John Waters and David Lynch. I love the campy and messy aesthetics of Waters, his ability to create a queer and shocking world is something I strive for in almost all of my work. I also am obsessed with Lynch's ability to visually show the inner physicy in a sereal and uncomfortable way. I am very interested in adding world building to my stories, like in my project “Umain Cookbook” where I created an in-universe cookbook for a world where cannibalism was normalized. By using worldbuilding techniques, I'm able to add another layer to my work that allows the audience to feel more immersed.