Colorado Welcomes a Whimsical Influx of Trolls

Rita The Rock Planter | Courtesy of CH&L

Danish artist, Thomas Dambo, is considered one of the world’s leading recycle artists and is best known for his giant troll sculptures. His passion for finding and recycling free art materials was honed at the internationally acclaimed Kolding School of Design in Kolding, Denmark. Dambo’s trolls are made from recycled wood and have embarked upon a life of their own. Sparking the imagination and delight of viewers young and old, the trolls have carved out a special place in the hearts of people in Colorado and worldwide.

In Breckenridge, a troll called “Isak Heartstone” has been attracting audiences since 2018. Created as an exhibit for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts, the 15-foot wooden sculpture can be found on the Trollstigen Trail, a short hike within the White River National Forest. Isak the troll has become a must-see for visitors to the area. A second troll, “Rita, the Rock Planter,” inhabits Victor, Colorado near the mountains in Teller County. Rita is constructed from recycled wooden pallets and the help of a community of volunteers. She sits in an area that was well known for gold mining 150 years ago. The residents of Victor hope that Rita’s presence will encourage visitors to stop and visit, helping new people to become acquainted with the area.

Isak Heartstone. | Courtesy of CH&L

Dambo trolls are located on 17 continents and carry a message that transcends culture and language reminding visitors to cherish and preserve our beautiful, natural spaces. Working with the idea that “trash is treasure,” Dambo has capitalized on the Danish symbolism that goes back to the days of the Vikings. Lore holds that trolls come out at night and cause mischief only to return to stone during the daylight hours. Trolls are heavily tied to the ideals of protection of nature and the environment. Dambo documents his journeys and troll sculpture installations on social media. He has created a Map of Trolls, a guide to the worldwide locations of these gentle giants. His goal is to draw people away from their phones and screens to venture out into the world, learning about and savoring our natural surroundings.

Dambo’s trolls are unique and unexpected reminders that we are all fortunate to inhabit the beauty of the natural world. The trolls are a gift, and the bearers of an important message to humanity.

Photo: Shutterstock

Photo: Shutterstock