This Artist Made 34 Giant Wood Sculptures, and They’re Both Terrifying and Cute

My name is Thomas Dambo and I’m a recycling artist who uses scrap wood to bring curious giant trolls to life all around the world. I invite you to discover how dumpster trash and recycled wood can breathe life into awesome sculptures, and help us all think of trash as something we can use to inspire and create.
Bright Side has collected some of my trolls with the most personality for you to see and get a glimpse into their lives and their creation.
Isak Heartstone enjoys peace and quiet in his forest.
“Mikil is as strong as a dragon and always on his way.”
Isak is hidden away with his animal friends.
Hektor el Protector watches over the seas (Puerto Rico).
We found Sigrid whizzing down the hills.
“The world is in our hands” (Christiania, Denmark).
Little Tilde says hello from among the trees.
Joe the Guardian scouts for any human trouble (Chicago).
We discovered Una & Joures cloud watching.
Little Nora travels the woods with her sled (Belgium).
The best view is from Hill Top Trine’s palms.
Joen keeps an eye on us humans (Miami).
Marit found a peaceful corner to observe life (China).
Old Wise Woo plays his flute for the children (Korea).
Teddy Friendly helps us get across the river.
“Arvid likes to carve his dreams into ancient trees.”
Watch out for Snorra of Suwannee.
Little Nis is forever lost in his reflection.
Troels the Troll helps his local community.
Today we all need the peace of Leo the Enlightened (Tennessee).
Bonus: That’s me (far left) after bringing Little Tilde to life!
If you are as impressed as we are, then check out his new project as he reveals new secret locations of trolls across Denmark, using this map. You can see more of his work on his Facebook page and Instagram account, as well as his YouTube channel where we can watch his creations come to life and meet Thomas and his team.
Do you have photos with any trolls near where you live? We would love to know if you find his work as astonishing as we do. Comment with your top 3 favorites, surely Teddy Friendly is in there!
Comments
I can see them coming to life in a Pixar's movie :D
Yes!! Like the friendly giant!! I love this movie :)
The big friendly giant you mean?? Such a nice cartoon and the story is wonderful!

Yes!!! This is the movie! Such great animators the ones who created those figures. I love everything about this movie :')
I like it too, it's both emotional and funny :) And it teaches a good thing about friendship ;)
This little tilde is actually cute, most of them look a bit creepy but not this one
They are all so amazing. Little Nis spoke to me on a personal level. I have always found inner peace watching the water. Not myself in it but the water itself lol second would be Sigrid because it inspires such joy and then Isak Heartstone because there is something stoic about him yet whimsical at the same time. I could rave on about them all honestly but you asked for top three :) thank you for sharing this with us.
Related Reads
25 Cozy Balconies Where Old Boxes Made Way for Tea, Flowers, and Simple Happiness

14 Farm Animals Who Moved Into the House, and the Baby Goat a Truck Left in the Road Who Fell Asleep on the Couch

16 Knitting and Crochet Creations From Crafters Who Discovered the Handmade Hobby in Their Later Years

Moments Where a Stranger’s Humaneness and Generosity Changed the Outcome Completely

10 Acts of Kindness Behind Paid Groceries, Helpful Neighbors, and Unexpected Second Chances That Made Autumn Feel Warmer

10 Kids Who Shoveled and Mowed for Neighbors: a $100 Bill and “Double Your Snow Back”

13 Moments of Compassion Teaching Us Real Kindness Still Ends Loneliness and Social Isolation, Even in 2026

12 Acts of Kindness That Teach Us Why Compassion Still Helps Lonely Hearts Find Happiness in 2026

10 Stories of Genuine Kindness: From an 11-Year-Old Sharing Lunches to a Stranger’s Act of Kindness Across the World

10 Nannies Who Understood Kids, Played Roles They Didn’t Sign Up For, and Slowly Became Family

11 Parenting Stories Where Compassion Builds Family Happiness: a Secret Adopted Sister, a Kid’s $5 Allowance, and a Mom’s Three-City Weather App

13 Home Repair Pros Who Have Seen Everything — and Still Got Startled by a Barking Parrot




















