Give a hearty welcome to Kamma Can the Trash Troll, Ibbi Pip the Birdhouse Troll and their four friends. Ibbi will even invite you into her playhouse for a walk-through replete with seating, multiple bird houses, and engaging signage, which is where the fun and adventure begins.
Now residing joyfully at South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, these immense, impressive, and super fun sculptures have taken up a temporary residence through mid-January at the garden. Created by Thomas Dambro with the message of “Save the Humans,” these trolls are spreading a lovely theme of sustainability, the preservation of nature, and gentle guidance.
The mammoth folklore-inspired sculptures are made from reclaimed materials, and the six delightful figures stand at a variety of locations throughout the garden’s 87-acres. Their mission: help humans save themselves and their world.
The story behind the exhibited Trolls sculptures relates that “hundreds of trolls came together at “Trolliefolkyfest” to discuss their favorite topic – us . While they know we mean well, we keep failing them by making questionable choices, like cutting down forests, emptying rivers, and putting humans – and them – in danger. While most of the trolls think we are past saving, these SIX think they can help us.”
Certainly their beautifully crafted faces speak of wisdom and love, their big hands must match their big art-hearts.
Dambo is undoubtedly the world’s leading recycle artist. Before he created these figures and other larger-than-life sculptures, his career ranged from music to street art and scenic design. With a master’s degree from the Kolding Design School, the internationally-renowned artist created the Trolls from recycled wood. There are 87 such figures on exhibit globally from Denmark to South Korea, and of course, here in the U.S. Dambro’s vision is to create inspiring art that demonstrates trash can be used to create beauty – and spread a message of environmental rescue.
Along with the trolls themselves, Dambro’s exhibition at South Coast Botanic Garden includes colorful wooden birdhouses, which also play a key role in his work. In fact, the artist has birdhouses placed throughout Denmark. The birdhouse troll, Ibbi Pip is said to speak to humans via birdhouses using them to bring animals close to us and encourage human compassion, according to exhibition media.
This is a truly wonderful, charming, innovative exhibition that deserves to be seen as art, and for its message. Add to that the allure of strolling through the gardens themselves in the wintery sunlight, and this is a perfect afternoon adventure for all ages – so bring any kids along, too.
The exhibition runs through January 14, and is included with garden admission. South Coast Botanic Garden, the world’s first to be built atop a former landfill, was dedicated as a garden in 1960.
It’s located at 25300 Crenshaw Blvd in South Torrance, on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Tickets which are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $5 for kids 5-12, can be purchased here.
- Genie Davis; photos by Genie Davis