For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by the seemingly impossible detail in the microscopic world. Artists have become successful creating larger than life works which astonish onlookers with both their size and beauty (Michelangelo's 'David' and Rodin's 'The Thinker' to name a few). The world beyond the eye's natural resolution has not been fully explored by artists for technical and/or practical reasons until the advent of modern technology.
Willard Wigan (1) breaks through these barriers like no other. He is a sculptor by trade, but unlike any other his work is only truly appreciated when viewed through a microscope. In fact, if you purchase one of his works it comes with a custom built display case with a microscope incorporated directly into the housing (see image below). Due to the obvious difficulties encountered when your podium is the head of a pin or the loop of a needle, he has had to pioneer his own techniques which are often unconventional. I could do my best to describe his working methods to you but instead I'd rather turn it over to Willard himself. Below is a video of the presentation he made as a TED speaker. If you have 20min to spare, I think you will find that he doesn't only create inspiring works of art but he is also an accomplished story teller.
We aren't the only ones to appreciate Willard's work. His list of clients include some notorious names such as Prince Charles, Sir Elton John, Mike Tyson and Simon Cowell.
All images taken from (1). Note: images are of works currently for sale on his website.
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