COMPARISON: The Obama family inside an eye of the needle
Willard Wigan is an artist whose work stands apart for its extreme precision and the patience it demands. He creates sculptures so small that they can only be appreciated under magnification. At 55 years old, Wigan is widely regarded as the world’s most famous microscopic artist, and his pieces are smaller than the eye of a needle. He treats every micro-detail with intense care, knowing that even the slightest movement can ruin the entire artwork.
These pieces are produced with handmade tools. For instance, he uses the wing of a dead housefly as a paintbrush. Each sculpture takes between three and eight weeks to complete, a testament to the steady hands and unwavering focus required to bring such minuscule visions to life. The process is meticulous, but it is precisely this discipline that allows him to coax remarkable detail from materials that most would overlook.
Among his notable micro portraits are Elizabeth II carved from a single coffee bean and Homer and Bart Simpson perched on the top of a nail. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not has acquired a substantial collection of Wigan’s sculptures for exhibition in its Odditoriums around the world, turning these tiny marvels from private curiosities into public spectacles that invite awe and curiosity.
As Wigan explained, Ripley’s is known around the world. That is an honor. Seeing is believing and when people see these, they will understand what humans are capable of. This sentiment underscores the way his work bridges imagination and possibility, turning a glimpse into a lasting impression on viewers.
An interview with Wigan is available for viewing, offering further insight into the mindset and technique behind these extraordinary micro creations.