A talented local blacksmith is crafting Colorado's third giant troll statue, which will soon find its home in Palmer Lake. This impressive sculpture joins two existing troll installations located in Victor and Breckenridge, making it a significant addition to the state's growing collection of artistic landmarks.
What makes this project particularly special is that it represents the first giant troll created by a Colorado artist and the first constructed entirely from metal. Jodie Bliss, the talented artist behind this ambitious project, operates her metalwork studio in Monument, just a short 10-minute drive from Palmer Lake. "The first time I heated metal up and hit it, it was like I had been dating all these different techniques, and they were okay, but then I fell in love," Bliss explained, describing her passion for blacksmithing.
The impressive troll sculpture will be positioned on a beam of the Palmer Lake Pedestrian Bridge as part of an initiative organized by the Awake the Lake organization. This placement will make the artwork highly visible to both pedestrians and visitors exploring the area. Unlike the previous two giant sculptures created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, which were primarily constructed using wood, Bliss has chosen to showcase her expertise in metalworking for this unique project.
Bliss demonstrates particular pride in her chosen craft, stating, "If you come onto an idea where you don't have the right tool for it, well, you make it! And I think that's what makes blacksmiths the king of the craftsmen; the queen of all the craftsmen. If we've got any woodworkers who are insulted by that, come at me!" Her confidence in blacksmithing reflects both her skill level and her dedication to the traditional craft.
The local connection has provided Bliss with unique design opportunities that wouldn't have been possible with an out-of-state artist. When she encountered difficulty visualizing the troll's pose, she took a hands-on approach to problem-solving. "You know who this old man is modeled after? It's this girl!" Bliss revealed, explaining how she personally sat on the bridge and photographed herself pretending to hold a lantern to capture the perfect positioning for her sculpture.
Community involvement has been a cornerstone of this project, with Bliss actively engaging local residents in the creation process. She has conducted blacksmithing classes specifically for community members, allowing them to create their own pieces that will be incorporated into the final troll sculpture. This collaborative approach ensures that the artwork truly represents the Palmer Lake community. Additionally, Bliss provided hands-on demonstrations, including teaching KRDO13's Bradley Davis the fundamental techniques of working with a forge.
Despite her initial reluctance about teaching, Bliss has discovered an unexpected appreciation for education. "I never would admit that I like teaching, but I seem to be planning it more into my life routine!" she acknowledged. This shift in perspective suggests that community engagement may become a more prominent aspect of her future artistic endeavors.
Looking toward the future, Bliss has expressed enthusiasm about expanding her troll-creation services to other Colorado communities. "If anyone else wants a troll, I'm your girl," she stated confidently. "I think [the other artists] would agree that there's nothing wrong with a little healthy competition." This competitive spirit indicates her readiness to establish herself as Colorado's resident troll artist.
The timeline for completion aims for the end of December, though Bliss acknowledges that the final installation date may extend slightly later depending on how the finishing processes progress. The project represents not only an artistic achievement but also a testament to local craftsmanship and community collaboration in creating lasting public art that will attract visitors and serve as a source of pride for Palmer Lake residents.
