Willard wigan born in 1957
Home / Health, Lifestyle & Body Facts / Willard wigan born in 1957
Wigan was ridiculed in class by his primary school teachers for not learning to read. He is the creator of the world's most miniature sculptures, often taking months to complete one, working between heartbeats to avoid hand tremors. This article delves into Wigan’s life, his artistic process, and the impact of his work on the art world and beyond.
Comparison of Willard Wigan’s Micro Sculptures
| Feature | Micro Sculpture | Traditional Sculpture |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Ranges from 0.5mm to 1mm | Varies widely, typically larger |
| Visibility | Requires microscope | Visible to the naked eye |
| Materials Used | Wood splinters, toothpicks, etc. | Stone, metal, clay, etc. |
| Artistic Techniques | Precision tools, deep concentration | Various sculpting techniques |
| Themes | Often whimsical or reflective | Themes can vary widely |
| Audience Engagement | Unique curiosity due to size | Direct visual impact |
| Historical Context | Modern micro art movement | Traditional art forms |
| Cultural Significance | Challenges perceptions of art | Established historical value |
Early Life and Challenges
Born in June 1957 in Wednesfield, England, Willard Wigan faced significant challenges from a young age.
His commitment to using his art to inspire others reflects a broader message: that greatness can arise from the most unexpected places.
Technical Comparison of Wigan’s Micro Sculptures
| Aspect | Micro Sculptures | Other Art Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Creation Time | Months for a single piece | Varies widely |
| Tooling | Specialized precision tools | General sculpting tools |
| Artistic Vision | Focus on micro details | Varied artistic expressions |
| Market Value | High demand due to uniqueness | Variable based on artist and medium |
| Display Requirements | Requires magnification for viewing | Typically displayed without aids |
Related Video
Conclusion
Willard Wigan’s journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a master of micro sculptures is both inspiring and profound.
He achieved significant recognition, receiving an MBE from the Queen and setting two Guinness World Records for creating the smallest sculptures.
Willard Wigan, Micro Artist born
*This date in 1957 is celebrated as the birth date of Willard Wigan, a Black British micro-artist and sculptor.
From Wolverhampton, England, as a child, he had dyslexia and Asperger's syndrome, neither of which was diagnosed until adulthood.
Wigan’s journey from a troubled childhood to becoming an internationally acclaimed artist highlights the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and the ability to see beauty in the smallest of things. In 2010, the BBC reported that Wigan had sculpted a model of St Bartholomew's church in Chosen Hill, Gloucestershire, on a grain of sand that he had taken from its churchyard.
To paint his creations, he uses hair plucked from a dead fly (the fly has to have died from natural causes, as he refuses to kill them for the sake of his art).
His sculptures have included a Santa Claus and a replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy, both approximately 0.005mm (0.0002in) tall, and a boxing ring featuring Muhammad Ali's figure, which fits onto the head of a match.
He amazed fellow students with his miniature sculptures — made from wood splinters and toothpicks carved with a razor blade — and charged them for viewing. After leaving school, he worked in various jobs, including a stint as a metallurgist. He had done so in response to a challenge from his girlfriend, who described the result as "absolutely fantastic."
The Library of Birmingham exhibited his works in January 2015.
This role provided him access to advanced tools and materials necessary for his intricate work.
The techniques he employs are as fascinating as the art itself. This imaginative escape allowed him to channel his frustrations into art, laying the groundwork for his future as a micro artist.
Artistic Development and Techniques
Wigan’s artistic development was a gradual process, shaped by his experiences and relentless practice.
He crafted tiny houses, shoes, and hats for them, marking the beginning of his artistic journey. By focusing on the minute, he encourages viewers to appreciate details often overlooked in everyday life. He has a learning disability and doesn't know how to read or write. Additional footage in the production archive includes Willard flying aircraft made of thin balsa wood, carving with a toothpick, and discussing his early life.
As he continues to inspire future generations through his foundation and work, Wigan remains a testament to the idea that greatness often comes in the smallest packages.
FAQ
What is Willard Wigan known for?
Willard Wigan is known for creating some of the smallest sculptures in the world, often requiring a microscope to view.
How did Wigan start his artistic journey?
His journey began in childhood when he started making tiny creations for ants in his garden shed as a form of escape from school-related challenges.
What materials does Wigan use for his sculptures?
Wigan primarily uses materials like wood splinters and toothpicks, often employing specialized tools for his intricate work.
What recognition has Wigan received?
He has received an MBE from the Queen, set two Guinness World Records, and has been featured in numerous documentaries and exhibitions.
How does Wigan’s work impact society?
His work inspires individuals, particularly those with learning differences, to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams.
What themes does Wigan explore in his art?
Wigan often explores whimsical themes and reflections on insignificance and beauty in the minute details of life.
Where can I find more about his work?
You can explore more about Willard Wigan’s art on his official website, www.willardwiganart.com, and through the Wigan Foundation at www.thewiganfoundation.com.
What tools does Wigan use to create his art?
He utilizes precision tools, often employing items like a fly’s hair or his ex-girlfriend’s eyelash as paintbrushes to achieve intricate details.
How does Wigan view his learning differences?
Wigan considers his dyslexia and autism as gifts that have shaped his unique perspective and creative abilities.
What is the significance of micro art?
Micro art challenges traditional notions of art, encouraging viewers to appreciate the beauty in small details and highlighting the potential for creativity in overcoming adversity.
Post Views:76
Uninformed, impatient teachers reacted to his dyslexia and struggle to read and write by humiliating him in front of classmates who also mocked him.
At age 5, he retreated into his own world, a shed behind a garden where he enjoyed observing the activity of ants. Wigan uses a tiny surgical blade to carve microscopic figures out of rice and fragments of grains of sand and sugar, which are then mounted on pinheads.