Style Imitating Art…
Welcome to Style Imitating Art which comes from Salazar, Shelbee, and me. You can think of this series as fashion meets art museum! SIA challenges people to find inspiration in different art works, create looks based upon that art work, and share them with the curator for that piece. Salazar is this week’s curator with Dr. Willard Wigan’s entire body of work. After googling images for Wigan’s work, I decided on “Tiny Dancer.” Some of his works would have gone with last week’s John Tenniel’s illustrations of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland! I hope you enjoy this post, the information, and my interpretation.
How it works…
Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration piece of art and posts the image on their blog. We then invite others to interpret that art work through their style. The following Monday, we share our outfits. The curator shares submissions the following Wednesday on her blog. Salazar chose this week’s art work for this round of Style Imitating Art. If you’d like, you can read why she chose it here. Please send your photo to Salazar by Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 by 10 pm EST. Style Imitating Art is an interesting way to inspire your outfits. You can see a few of my looks here, here, here, and here.
About the artist…
Dr. Willard Wigan was born in in Wednesfield, England in June, 1957. His parents emigrated from Jamaica. As a young boy, he struggled a bit with social interactions and couldn’t wait to start school. He looked forward to school because he didn’t know what would happen. It wouldn’t be long before his hopes were destroyed. Here is an interview conducted two years ago. I only listened to a portion of it. I hope to listen to the entire thing when I’ve got an hour of peace and quiet. Wigan began school in the 60s when dyslexia wasn’t fully understood. Honestly, when I began teaching in the late 80s, many teachers didn’t understand it then, either. Diagnosed with both dyslexia and Asperger’s Syndrome, Wigan rose above all of this to become a renowned sculptor and a Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).
A little more…
We have to go back to those painful days in the classroom to discover the roots of this extraordinary artist. According to the interview, one teacher singled him out and tried to find a reason to humiliate him. This was, unfortunately, an era when it was “common for teachers to humiliate children.” If you’re close to Wigan’s age, you know exactly what that means. I was never ridiculed, but I can definitely remember my first grade teacher being cruel to others who struggled. In Wigan’s words, “I tried to fit in as much as I possibly could…My body was there. My mind wasn’t.” When you can’t read, however, you stand out rather than fit in. Those teachers broke this little kid’s confidence, and so he turned to something at which he excelled…making small sculptures for his garden. When he was five or six years old, he broke off a part of his dad’s razor blade, grabbed a stick, and started sculpting. And, the rest, as they say, is history!
Even more…
Wigan’s mother was one of his biggest supporters. She often told him, “Don’t get bitter. Get better.” “Growing up Willard’s mother would often tell him when he presented his work to her ‘that’s not small enough, try again’ Willard made things increasingly smaller to try to please his Mom and prior to her death she told him ‘the smaller you make things the bigger your name will become (source).’” Having been made to feel less than nothing, Wigan wanted to “show the world that nothing did not exist, deducing that if people were unable to view his work, then they would not be in any position to criticize it (source).”
Still more…
Wigan creates these microscopic sculptures, using a variety of tools. Most of them are items he’s adapted to create sculptures as small as 0.0002 in (0.005mm). These sculptures usually appear in the eye of a needle or on the head of a pin. In 2013, Wigan made a 24 carat gold motorcycle and embedded it into a human hair, setting a record. But, on September 5, 2017, he bested himself and was recognized by Guinness World Records for creating the smallest handmade sculpture in the world. It measured 0.031 in x 0.021 in (0.078 x 0.053 mm). That sculpture was a human fetus.
“I use many materials to create my sculptures, including 24-carat gold. I bend, carve and manipulate them using tools that I make myself – these include diamond fragments mounted on hypodermic syringes, pliers made from hairs, eyelashes and nylon fibres. I even use threads of spider web for bindings and glue, and eyelashes and strands of dog hair as paintbrushes (source).”
A skosh more…
This man whose teachers expected to fail and fail miserably became an MBE in 2007, appeared on many different programs, and in January 2018, Willard Wigan received an honorary doctorate from the University of Warwick. This was in recognition of his “significant contributions to art and sculpture.” Wigan was “over the moon.” Some even call him “Micro-Angelo!”
“We need to make sure we appreciate the little things in life. Small things can be overlooked, but they can also be mighty, too.”
The art work…
I looked through all the different images I could find. Google Willard Wigan art and select “images,” then you’ll see how many there are! I thought about the woman in a white dress, but then I discovered “Tiny Dancer.” The ballerina is standing en pointe and wearing a a white tutu with real gold details. Her hair is in a traditional ballet bun. She’s sporting a tiara made from particles of glitter…particles! Wigan created “Tiny Dancer” out of a microscopic piece of plastic. It took him six weeks and up to 18 hours a day. The ballerina was inspired by the students of the Elmhurst Ballet School and was up for sale in 2018. Fifty percent of the proceeds went to help young ballet students, especially those in need of financial assistance, to realize their dance dreams. I couldn’t find out how much it sold for, unfortunately.
My interpretation…
I don’t have a tutu although I always wanted to take ballet lessons. I’m sure that would have been good for a few laughs as I have no rhythm. But, I do have this beautiful tulle skirt. It has a wide elastic waistband so I added this raffia belt. It’s been one of my best buys ever! I wore this skirt for either an Ageless Style, Style Imitating Art, or Songful Style challenge. Today, I’m pairing it with a tee shirt from Loft that has appeared on the blog before, too. I was thrilled at how well these two pieces went together, and I’m going to be wearing this a lot!
The Lewk!
If these look familiar, it’s because I have the Astarr Sandals by L’Artiste in the blue color and decided to buy them in the camel color. I guess I must still be channeling that last SIA because I wore these sandals then. I added the Milieu Double Strand necklace, Milieu earrings, and three different bracelets (here, here, and here) from World Finds. The colors were perfect, don’t you think?
Wrap it up, Marsha!
It was hard to read about Dr. Willard Wigan’s school experience. I worked with students who struggled every single day of their educational careers. I watched them show up, day after day, to earn a failing grade, or a C at best. I thought they were some of the bravest people I’d ever met. And, I believe Dr. Wigan is the same. Most of my students are successful in their chosen careers. But, as far as I know, none of them is worth over £11,000,000! So, can we talk? How do you think Wigan even thought to use the different things he used to create his sculptures? Have you ever sculpted something? Which image do you like best? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Don’t forget…
If you want to be included in the Style Imitating Art round up, send Salazar your photo by 10:00 pm EST Tuesday, April 8th. Photos of everyone participating will appear on her blog on Wednesday, April 9th! If you’re interested in joining us, consider all of your options…the colors, the idea of creating something this small, the memories they evoke! Come on, give it a try! I think you’ll love it!
Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
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Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
That needle design is amazing. I used to chat to someone online who called themselves Tiny Dancer.
Thanks, Rosie! It’s amazing the different things he’s created!
It boggles the mind how someone can make something like this, so amazing!
That’s a lovely combo, Marsha, very summery.
Thanks, Cat! I can’t wait to wear it when the weather gets and stays warm. Look for some of his videos on YouTube, and you’ll find lots of information there.
That is one rather wonderful man. I had heard of him and his sculptures are beyond amazing. It is a very sad fact that i) children with dyslexia have a very hard time. I do hope things have changed but my son had/has dyslexia and he was never ever helped at school. He was made to feel so stupid and he is the opposite of that. It took him years to get over that. And ii) it is another very sad fact that when Dr Wigan went to school teachers would have definitely singled him out because he was a black boy. Yup that was how it was. And although we now know better, much better, black kids and especially the boys are still being failed by the system. https://www.embracerace.org/resources/supporting-black-boys-to-thrive-at-school-an-interview-with-professor-daren-graves
Your orange skirt is utterly gorgeous – oh my word. My kind of skirt!!!
Thanks, Penny! I’m thrilled with the outfit. As for the dyslexia, I think there are lots of kids who are still undiagnosed because they’ve learned coping and masking skills. I’m not sure what will happen with the dismantling of the Department of Education. I’m so very sorry your son was treated in this manner. I’d like to say teachers everywhere now understand dyslexia, but the truth is it’s a very complicated thing. I had students who could read fairly well one day, and the next day they were back to the same struggle.
Have you seen any of the sculptures? I’d love to see some of them. I just can’t imagine creating such things!
Love the outfit Marsha, you’ve nailed it with the bright colours and that amazing skirt!! Just my colours
Thanks, Debbie! They are definitely your colors! I love the way the look came out!
Wow, what a story! I love that Dr. Wigan’s mother said don’t get bitter get better! Such wise words that made a difference. I hate to think of anyone being humiliated by a teacher but I know it happened and sometimes still does.
Your skirt is so fun Marsha and I love seeing you in these bright colors!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I knew I would wear the skirt, but I wasn’t sure about the top until I spied this tee!
I think it’s amazing he overcame that and went onto become a respected artist, philanthropist, and just plain rich! His mom was definitely a good motivator!
So far, Willard Wigan is the most fascinating artist we have featured, in my opinion, in addition to Andrew Clemens and his sand art bottles. How do they do it??? Your outfit is brilliant, my friend. I adore this bright orange tulle skirt on you and that tee shirt is such a great pairing with it. Of course, your sandals are perfect as well! This is definitely one of my favorite outfits of yours…ever!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! I just couldn’t find anything I knew I could do a good job with until I found the ballerina. Then, I knew I would wear a tulle skirt. The tee just happened to be hanging above it! It was meant to be. Oh, my goodness! I was so impressed by Willard Wigan’s life story. I’m so glad his mother was there to encourage him. But, it does make you wonder…what inspired him to start carving in the first place? I would love to see some of his work because it’s got to be amazing.
That is a mega dose of frothy spring-summer joy in this outfit! Wigan’s life story is a surprising one – thanks for sharing it.
Thanks, Sally! And, of course, our temperatures are no longer spring like! Hopefully, the weather will even itself out soon. I was so impressed with what I read. I hope to watch the video when I have some time.
That skirt is gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Maria! It hasn’t fit for a while, but now that it does, I’ll be wearing it a lot!
How incredible is that? We saw some sculpture on the heads of pins at a museum in Tucson and it’s just awe inspiring.
This has got to be one of my absolute favorite outfits Marsha. The colors, the belt, the tulle…it all comes together so perfectly.
XOXO
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I was really happy with how the tee went with the skirt so well. And, I just realized I was doing some print mixing because the skirt is actually polka dotted! I have never seen anything like this, but I’m going to be looking now!
I fell in in love with this look on your Insta! The tee and skirt were made for each other. The belt is the perfect accessory to bring it all together!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! I knew I was going to wear the skirt, and the tee just happened to be hanging above it! Serendipity at its best!
My heart hurts for this artist. So often, those who are artistic struggle in academic areas and even socially. Thank goodness, he had the supportive mommy every child deserves.
Love love love all of Wigan’s art you guys shared. I didn’t see this piece when you introduced the artist but loved the Alice in Wonderland pin. I even put together an SIA look based on it.
The colors of this outfit are so vibrant. And that skirt is divine. Hope you wear it often.
Thanks, Leslie! Now that it fits again, I will be wearing it often! I had never heard of Wigan, and now I really want to see some of his art. It’s just so amazing.
My heart did break as I was reading about all he went through as a little one. I just cannot imagine putting a child in that kind of role…a warning for not learning to read. Like you, I’m glad his mother got it…and encouraged his creativity!
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What a gorgeous piece!! And I love your interpretation of it!
Thanks, Erin! I really was stumped until I found that ballerina! I was so happy to be able to fit into this skirt again!
Hi, Marsha – What a beautiful, colorful outfit that is totally you! You really got the colors and textures going on. I’m going to try the same thing with my tulle skirts now. Thanks for the art and fashion delights – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! It’s so funny how my style has evolved just since I started blogging. I’ve always loved clothes, but I never really embraced colors the way I do now. I’d love to have more tulle skirts because they’re just so much fun!
I’m ashamed to say I’ve never heard of Dr. Willard Wigan. His story is inspiring and I love the Tiny Dancer. I’ll definitely check out his work. I saw a glimpse of your outfit on IG and wanted to see more. We don’t often see you in orange. The whole outfit is stunning!
Thanks, Gail! I had never heard of him before either so don’t feel too badly. I would imagine his work would have to be in a specialized gallery in order to be able to see it. I’d love to see it, too!
I cannot believe how tiny his sculptures are! Tiny Dancer is beautiful! Love your tulle skirt and this colorful look!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks, Jill! Aren’t they amazing? I really did like that one…it reminds me of the dancers you’d find in old jewelry boxes.