How Small Can a Sculpture Be?

When it comes to the size of sculptures, artist Willard Wigan has redefined the concept of small. His sculptures are so tiny that they are almost impossible to see with the naked eye, often fitting within the eye of a needle.

The Journey of Willard Wigan

Willard Wigan, a British artist, has achieved worldwide recognition for his unique form of sculpture. His journey, however, began with a challenging childhood. Wigan was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome later in life, but as a child, his undiagnosed condition led to difficulties in reading and writing, making him a target for bullying and ridicule from his classmates.

Early Inspirations

Despite these challenges, Wigan found solace in his own world. As a child, he enjoyed observing ants and even built tiny houses for them. He also created miniature sculptures from wood fragments and toothpicks, impressing his classmates and charging them a small fee to view his creations.

Family Support and Artistic Growth

Encouraged by his family, Wigan continued to develop his artistic talents. As he grew older, his reading and communication skills improved, and his sculpting abilities became more refined. His sculptures became increasingly smaller, requiring magnification to be seen. These micro-sculptures often depict scenes such as Olympic athletes, human evolution, and even tiny animals and infrastructure within the eye of a needle.

The Art of Micro-Sculpture

Creating micro-sculptures is no easy task. According to Wigan, it requires immense concentration and steady hands. He prepares himself mentally before each session, calming his mind and focusing on his heartbeat. Once he begins, he works tirelessly, sometimes for 16 to 17 hours straight.

Materials and Tools

Wigan uses a variety of materials for his sculptures, including grains of sand and tiny fragments of various objects. His tools are equally miniature, such as the needles of syringes, fine blades, hooks for moving materials, and even eyelashes as paintbrushes.

Notable Works

One of Wigan's most time-consuming pieces is a row of golden camels, which took him four months to complete. The challenge lay in the number of camels and the need to create a textured surface within the needle's eye to secure them in place. Another remarkable piece is a baby sculpted inside a human hair, a project that took three months to finish.

Challenges and Triumphs

One of the biggest challenges Wigan faces is ensuring his safety while working on such tiny pieces. The risk of accidentally inhaling his sculptures is very real. For instance, while working on a sculpture of Alice from "Alice in Wonderland," a sudden phone call startled him, causing him to inhale the tiny figure. Fortunately, he later created an even better version.

Recognition and Legacy

Over the years, Wigan has transitioned from a rising star to a celebrated artist. He has held numerous exhibitions and attracted many famous admirers who seek to purchase his works. Notably, he created a miniature crown for Queen Elizabeth II, leaving her astonished by his incredible talent.

Willard Wigan's journey from a bullied child to a renowned micro-sculptor is a testament to his resilience and extraordinary skill. His work continues to inspire and amaze people around the world, proving that even the smallest things can have the biggest impact.