This weekend, world-famous Danish artist Thomas Dambo will reveal his latest creation to the public: an enormous outdoor troll sculpture located in High Point, North Carolina. The 18-foot-tall wooden giant, affectionately named "Little Sally," represents the artist's commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement through art.
The impressive sculpture sits in a small clearing within vine-covered woods, positioned just west of downtown High Point behind an abandoned sock factory. Little Sally greets visitors with a welcoming smile, her massive frame constructed entirely from recycled materials. Dambo and his dedicated team of local volunteers spent considerable time crafting the troll using hundreds of pieces of scrap wood and various found wooden objects, transforming what would have been waste into a remarkable work of art.
Dambo, who has gained international recognition for his unique approach to sculpture, currently has 172 installations scattered across the globe. These wooden giants attract approximately 4.5 million visitors annually, making him one of the most widely viewed contemporary artists in the world. His works have become landmarks in their respective communities, drawing tourists and art enthusiasts from far and wide.
The artist describes himself as a "recycling celebrity" and believes his creations serve a greater purpose beyond mere artistic expression. Dambo sees his work as a powerful tool for changing society's consumerist mindset and demonstrating the potential hidden within discarded materials. "And that is the potential of our trash. It is to do that, you know?" Dambo explained while putting the finishing touches on Little Sally.
For Dambo, the appeal of his art lies in its authenticity and pure intentions. He believes people connect with his sculptures because they represent something genuine in an increasingly commercialized world. "I think that's why people love my art so much. It is because it's not trying to sell people something. It's made with people's hands, it's right there, and it has a pure, good intention behind it," the artist reflected.
The public will have their first opportunity to experience Little Sally beginning Saturday at 2 p.m. The sculpture is accessible near the intersection of West Green Drive and West Grimes Avenue, where visitors can witness firsthand how discarded materials have been transformed into an awe-inspiring piece of public art that celebrates both creativity and environmental consciousness.
