Micro Sculptor Makes A Big Splash In Miami

MIAMI (CBS4) -- Living with undiagnosed dyslexia at a young age, Willard Wigan struggled with nearly everything.

That is, until he discovered sculpting.

Wigan's microscopic sculptures are a huge success, and dozens are on display at The Midtown Gallery in Miami.

Wigan says he was driven to the unusual profession after a school teacher in his native England made him feel so small, saying he would never amount to much.

His mother gave him some life changing advice: keep thinking small and you will be big.

That is when he began micro sculpting, making figurines that are an art that needs and incredible amount of patience and skill.

"The tools I use are microscopic made from acupuncture needles. There are diamonds smashed together to make things it's all microscopic to create this work." says Wigan .

In order to create his masterpieces, sometimes as small as 0.005 mm, Willard works with high powered microscopes and steady hands.

His approach to every sculpture is unorthodox, but keeps him coming back for more.

"I don't enjoy doing it," said Wigan. "I enjoy finishing it, because I must admit, it makes you insane (the work), but the pleasure is when I finish it."

Wigan admits that the microscopic tools that make the amazing creations are also the source of many of his frustrations.

"I've even inhaled some of my work one time my cell phone rang," said Wigan. "I breathed in.. and it was gone. Learned my lesson. Know to hold my breath"

Wigan's pieces range from $20,000 to $125,000, which includes the microscope.

His micro works are on display at the gallery until December 6th.