We aren’t trolling you: Man brings Mama Rosa statue to life
By Duaa Israr
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WAUWATOSA, Wisconsin (WDJT) — At Wauwatosa’s Firefly Grove Park, a troll statue named Mama Rosa stands at 24 feet tall. Over the weekend, a smaller version of her came to life.
Inside the Lund home, there is a motto you must live by.
“Do something ridiculous, you totally have enough time, you just have to do something and go for it,” said Elliot Lund.
Halloween seemed to be the perfect time to do just that.
“I’ve told my kids I’m an undercover police officer for the last three years and just go in a flannel,” said Lund.
So, Lund got to work, taking an iconic piece of Wauwatosa and bringing her to life.
Mama Rosa the troll, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, stands as a symbol of sustainability — built from trees and recycled scraps.
“I love the community, I love craftsmanship, like this just kind of brought all of that together,” Lund said.
Lund decided to do the same — building his with items from Goodwill, trees, and even sentimental reminders.
“A lot of sticks from our yard,” said Lund. “An apple tree in our backyard died and this is one of the last pieces we have of it, so the eyebrows are actually really special to me.”
It was accurate down to the smallest details.
“Soon after she was installed, some hornets put an earring in her ear, so we’ve got the wasp nest as well,” said Lund.
Eighty hours later, Lund’s Mama Rosa was ready to hit the town.
“As soon as the paint went on and I stood back, it was like oh, this was so worth it,” said Lund.
For Lund, it’s a labor of love and a reminder that you’re never too old to do something fun.
“To hear people just like start laughing and then to realize I could kind of dance in it, and like it looked ridiculous,” said Lund. “It just felt like a great celebration of Wauwatosa and our city.”
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