Ole Bolle, The Troll: Thomas Dambo’s New Art Piece the First of the Northwest Troll Trail
Northwest Troll: Way of the Bird King features giant hand-built trolls by internationally acclaimed Danish environmental artist Thomas Dambo. This unique project features six giant hand-built Nordic troll characters, fashioned entirely out of recycled materials. The trolls are located at six sites in the Puget Sound region, including the National Nordic Museum in Seattle, plus a troll on the Nordic Northwest Campus in Tualatin Valley.
These art installations turn trash into treasured trolls who tell a tale of protecting nature and honoring our land. This is with a focus on understanding human impact on life in our watersheds and animal habitats. The project includes a companion story that will focus on restoration and preservation of riparian habitats in an approachable, fun way. It provides opportunities for youth and adults to learn, support, and make a difference in our environment.
Dambo’s high level of creativity drives the creation of highly interactive experiences, turning recycled materials to immersive, interactive, and awe-inspiring art. Today, he is known internationally for his larger-than-life troll sculptures. With 100 sculptures all over the world, these trolls have begun to have a life of their own, inspiring “troll hunters” to seek them out and fulfill Dambo’s vision of creating art that inspires people to get outside to explore, have adventures, and protect our natural spaces. The Way of the Bird King will be the first Dambo trolls to be placed in the Pacific Northwest, linking this region to the worldwide phenomenon.
Ole Bolle is now on view at the Nordic Northwest Campus in Tualatin Valley.