Troll by Caroline Ericksson
I recently met Caroline Ericksson at Norway House in Minneapolis, where she was working on a large Scandinavian-style troll that she was commissioned to create. She began the creation at her home in Oslo. First creating a wire armature, followed by chicken wire and last, a layer of foil. She shipped it in parts to Minneapolis, including the prebaked and pulverized gingerbread that she uses to create a clay-like substance by adding water. She was quite concerned that massive amounts of powdered substance would not make it through customs, but, to her relief, it arrived safely within 3 days!
See
Ericksson’s signature sculptures often pay homage to iconic movie characters.
Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy
Norse Dragon
Xenomorph from Alien
The Joy of Experimentation
Caroline's passion lies in exploring the limits of her medium. She enjoys the challenge of adding fine details and texture to her pieces, stating that it’s both the most difficult and rewarding part of her craft. Her creations delight audiences worldwide, proving that gingerbread can be more than just a holiday treat—it can be a medium for extraordinary art.
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Smaug the Dragon from The Hobbit
Darth Vader from Star Wars
Some of her works are entirely edible, while others incorporate internal armatures of steel wire and foil for stability. Once completed, Eriksson enhances her pieces with fine tools and airbrushes them with edible colors to add depth and realism. Projects can take weeks to complete, highlighting her dedication and skill.
When I work on a piece, I am entirely in my own head.
— Caroline Ericksson
Say
How does your personal experience influence your interpretation of her use of gingerbread?
What perspectives or voices are missing from her work, and why might they matter?
What impact might the ephemeral quality of food art have on its value?
Do
Make some gingerbread and try your hand at an edible creation!
Visit Gingerbread Wonderland and see the Troll at Norway House, now through January 4th, 2025
Host a Collaborative Gingerbread Challenge
Gather friends or family for a creative competition to build gingerbread structures.
About Caroline Ericksson
Caroline Eriksson: Master of Gingerbread Sculpture
Caroline Eriksson, a Swedish artist based in Oslo, has redefined the art of gingerbread sculpting. Renowned for her intricate, life-sized creations inspired by pop culture, Eriksson's work has gained international acclaim for its astonishing detail and craftsmanship.
Early Life and Artistic Evolution
Eriksson began experimenting with gingerbread over a decade ago, initially crafting traditional houses before pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved with the medium. Through meticulous trial and error, she developed unique techniques, such as sculpting with soft, pre-baked dough and air-drying it to create robust, detailed structures. This method allows her to work with gingerbread much like clay.
Recognition and Collaborations
Eriksson's work has been showcased on social media and featured in numerous design and lifestyle publications. She frequently partners with film and entertainment organizations to promote her gingerbread sculptures, further cementing her reputation as a leading figure in edible art. She has collaborated with brands like PlayStation and Freia, and her work has been featured in books and magazines all over the world.
Follow Ericksson to explore her latest works on Instagram, where she shares her creative process and finished masterpieces.
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