Mind-Blowing Microscopic Sculptures by Willard Wigan
Great things come on small packages! Micro Sculptor Willard Wigan is the only person in the world who can create what can only be described as ‘micro art‘.
Artist Wigan uses a tiny surgical blade to carve his microscopic figures out of rice, grains of sand, and sugar, which are then displayed on items such as pinheads, the tip of an eyelash or even a grain of sand. One of his works is a boxing ring with a Muhammad Ali figure that fits on the head of a match.
In an interview with BBC, Willard tells us:
JJ: How old were you when you found out you had this talent?
WW: I was 5 years old. I had learning difficulties and found things difficult. I came from a poor family and wasn’t pushed. I was just told to ‘try hard at school’. That was 42 years ago, and since it’s been an obsession.
JJ: How difficult is it to create the miniature art?
WW: Let me tell you, it’s very difficult. Every movement I make is so small. I have to control my breathing and heartbeat — it’s not easy! I usually work at night and have to make sure the dog isn’t around.
JJ: What’s your favorite piece of work so far?
WW: I like the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs piece, just because I had to fit so much into the head of a pin. It’s also quite a fun work of art, only 3 times bigger than a blood cell.
JJ: What’s been your biggest achievement in life?
WW: That would be the mini model of The Last Supper. It had TWELVE disciples and Jesus — it was a real challenge.
JJ: What would you say to any aspiring artists in any form?
WW: “Be original! Be creative! Be individual and make your mark…”
Willard Wigan is from Birmingham England, born in 1957. The Willard Wigan exhibition at The Mailbox in Birmingham is open for the public to view Monday to Saturday 10am — 8pm, and on Sunday from 11am — 5pm.
It’s been rumored that Willard Wigan may soon be retiring.
wow! those really ARE tiny. and absolutely BRILLIANT!
I can’t even thread a needle let alone carve something that would fit in the eye of a needle, that’s truly amazing
I hear ya, I can’t even thread a needle without a needle threader gizmo, kee.
Hey,
This is truly an amazing display of great talent & creativity….Glory to God!
I honestly don’t even know how it’s possible to hand carve 8 of something that has to fit in the eye of a needle let alone paint it. I wish there was a how-to guide
That’s amazing. I didn’t really clue in till I scrolled to the last photo where he’s holding the needle up.
Controlling his heartbeat and breathing .. Zen carving!
Catch a rare clip of Willard taken from Pogus Caesar’s film ‘An eye on X’. Willard carves Malcolm X on head of toothpick. Mindblowing! [ click on filmpage of oom gallery]
great images!
I don’t consider this an art form anymore.
It should be considered pure magic. Great job!
Blownaway: That’s an excellent clip you have of Willard Wigan! Thanks for sharing
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bet hy doz not get out mutch
Very nice sculpture!
On the Good Morning America show Willard stated that teachers made him feel small. They made him feel like he was nothing. He wanted the teacher to know that there was no such thing as nothing.
Today would you be considered an underachiever or a poor student in school? What was school like for you?
Well I think he did an incredible job of proving them wrong. He’s absolutely amazing.
In my school heydays, teachers seemed to put very little value in their students. There was even physical and mental abuse which would never be tolerated today. The stories I could tell would make you ill.
I was never taken notice of by teachers myself, even tho I had honor grades. I did however have 1 teacher that made me feel the same way, and hers was the only class that I barely managed passing grades.
Wow!!! all I have to say is… mind blowing.
Great job.. it looks almost unreal.
I hear you Honda, it’s difficult to even comprehend how he manages it.
I wonder is that’s bad for your eyes.
It amazes me how Willard does this, UK
I would thing with a good magnification and lighting, it shouldn’t be harmful to a person’s vision.
Wow! He Is so great! he had Dyslexia and that he had problems with his eyes and yet he can create something as amazing as this! He Rocks. I wonder how he handles It! Have you seen his sculpture of a girl on an eyelsh!
He sure does, Savvy. Willard has an amazing gift. No, I haven’t seen the sculpture that you mentioned, but I’m sure it’s just as amazing as the rest of his works.
i love his work i am only 11 yrs old and i always get good marks in art i only discovered him now because i have to find info about him and my teacher is the best for letting me dicover someones work like his.
I am proud to be a freind of willard. he a good mate,and a genius.
I just dont Know how he does these works of art ,I often joke with him that he is from another planet. Birmingham just doesnt knnow
what a treasure this guy is.
His work is amazing, Michael. he has a true gift to be able to create such minuscule works of art. He is indeed a treasure
Impossible dear,what is this if it is true so it is a 8th wonder of world.really amazing job.
He is looking like a magician.Now it is conform “Nothing is impossible”.
Willard, your work is that of a Master Mind. Its original, creative, indivisual & you of course made your mark oxoxxxxxxxxxxxxx