In the wonderful world of Willard Wigan, the impossible is possible. His works of art are so small that they are invisible to the naked eye, yet they have an immense impact. At school he was branded a failure, plagued by dyslexia. “I was put in front of the class as an example of what not to be. I couldn’t read, I couldn’t write and I was labeled stupid,” Wigan remembers. But instead of being defined by these labels, he decided to create his own world, a decision that would ultimately bring him world fame.
The birth of an artist
Wigan’s mother played a crucial role in his development. She confirmed that he was fine the way he was, something he had never heard at school. While punishments normally placed him at the back of the classroom, he found pleasure in observing a tiny world through the window. “It was like being sent to Disneyland,” he says. This perspective opened a door to a world where he would later share his microscopic artwork, gaining him recognition from his peers for the first time.
Mistakes as learning moments
Wigan’s philosophy embraces mistakes and failures as crucial learning moments. “The trick in life is to welcome our mistakes and see them as lessons,” he says. By understanding where things went wrong, he ensures that the same mistakes do not happen again. According to him, failure is a tool for learning, and with that attitude he continues to improve himself even at the age of 64.
The big impact of small things
Willard Wigan’s journey from underappreciated schoolboy to celebrated micro-artist is an inspiring example of the power of self-belief and the transformative impact of art. His story is a reminder that it is often the smallest things in life that have the biggest impact and that learning in freedom – without limitations and labels – can take us to unexpected heights.
Keypoints
- Overcoming underestimation: Willard Wigan proves that early labeling in school doesn’t have to be a final judgment on a person’s potential.
- The Power of Micro-Art: By developing his unique talent, Wigan shows that the smallest art forms can have a huge impact and change the way we see the world.
- Life Lessons: Wigan views mistakes as essential steps in the learning process, and its continued growth and success highlights the importance of lifelong learning and development.