Isak Heartstone, a whimsical wooden sculpture nestled in the beautiful landscape of Breckenridge, Colorado, has a story that resonates with art lovers and environmental enthusiasts alike. Created by the internationally acclaimed Danish artist Thomas Dambo in 2018, Isak quickly became more than just a sculpture; he became a local icon and a testament to the power of art made from recycled materials. The initial creation of Isak was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Coloradans and tourists flocked to witness Dambo’s unique artistry, especially captivated by the fact that Isak was built entirely from reclaimed wood and locally sourced refuse. Volunteers from Breck Create, a local arts organization, played a vital role in bringing this magical project to life, and the community embraced it wholeheartedly. However, Isak’s immense popularity inadvertently led to a challenge.
The charming troll’s initial location, situated near a peaceful residential area on the outskirts of Breckenridge, faced an unexpected surge in visitors. Dambo’s website reported an astonishing daily influx of nearly 3,000 people eager to see Isak. While locals initially welcomed the attention, the sheer volume of traffic and parking congestion in their quiet neighborhood became unsustainable. After careful deliberation and community discussions, the difficult decision was made to dismantle Isak in 2019 to mitigate the disruption to the local residents.
Isak’s Triumphant Return: The Breckenridge Troll Reborn
Fortunately, the story of Isak Heartstone didn’t end with his removal. Recognizing his significance to the community and the desire of countless visitors to experience his charm, Isak was lovingly rebuilt and reinstalled in the same year. His new home was thoughtfully chosen to be a more visitor-friendly location, ensuring better accessibility and minimizing impact on residential areas. Dambo himself made a special trip from Belgium, amidst his busy schedule, to personally oversee the reincarnation of Isak, underscoring his commitment to the project and its fans.
In a 2023 interview with 5280 magazine, Dambo reflected on the lessons learned from Isak’s journey, which have significantly influenced the placement of his subsequent sculptures around the world. He explained, “I’ve definitely learned more about where to put the sculptures through the years. I’ve also learned about different cultures and how a good location in one country isn’t necessarily a good location in another country. In Denmark, everybody would just bike or walk to a sculpture. But here in the U.S. everybody has a car. So I think you need a location that can accommodate more parking.” This experience highlighted the importance of considering local infrastructure and cultural norms when installing public art, particularly in car-centric societies like the United States.
Today, Isak Heartstone stands approximately 15 feet tall, a gentle giant crafted from repurposed wood and recycled materials sourced from the Breckenridge area – a hallmark of Dambo’s environmentally conscious art. The troll’s endearing name originates from a heartwarming gesture: during his initial construction, four young girls visiting the site gifted Dambo a small, heart-shaped stone, which was then incorporated into the sculpture, giving Isak his name. To get a glimpse into Dambo’s creative process and the dedication involved in building these magnificent trolls, you can watch this video showcasing Dambo and volunteers dismantling wooden pallets for another of his creations. Isak Heartstone remains a beloved attraction in Breckenridge, inviting visitors to appreciate art, nature, and the beauty of sustainable creation.
