Where many artists aim to make their works bigger and bolder, Willard Wigan prefers to create art that is small and charming. The British micro-sculptor specializes in making art that is often no larger than a pinhead and requires a microscope to view. Each sculpture is painstakingly rendered using surgical and handmade tools. A single misplaced breath or movement could wipe out hours of labour.
Why on earth would anyone want to make such miniscule sculptures? For Wigan, creating these tiny sculptures provided an outlet for his dyslexia and learning disabilities that have affected him since he was a child. Because of the delicate nature of his creations, Wigan typically works at night to avoid disruptions. His steady hand has garnered interest and accolades in both the art and science worlds.
His subjects range from pop culture such as The Simpsons, to historical figures like Henry VII, to modern-day icons like Barack Obama. Many people originally believed his work to be a hoax as the notion of his micro-sculptures are too awe-inspiring to be true. Willard Wigan and his wonderful figures are currently touring the USA and his works are now being exhibited in New York.
Little Miss Muffet, Willard Wigan
