Gerald Wiggins

 “I am not necessarily trying to say something to people with my art. I’m just trying to make them happy, because there is not enough happiness.” So states Gerald Wiggins (b. 1969) on his artistic motivation. He has been making the people happy since 2008, when he joined the Creativity Explored studio.

Wiggins uses colored pencil, marker, graphite, and watercolor to create portraits and detailed natural iconography. His portraits are precise and use a spare, controlled line and careful coloring to convey the features of a rotating cast of figures. Wiggins’ depictions of animal life are stunningly accomplished, precise renderings of creatures ranging from dinosaurs to birds and sea-life. There is always an uncluttered precision in his work, both in its meticulous draftsmanship and composition. Occasionally, key portions of a figure or natural element are left unfinished, or isolated parts are collected together in a single piece; these techniques add layers of mystery and visual playfulness to his style.

Wiggins’ practice expanded into the third dimension with his ceramic sculpture. Whether a frightening mask of a vampiric character or a fully realized likeness of a modern city dweller, his sculptures display the virtuosity and spirit of his drawings. And how would the artist describe that spirit? He says, “I like the feeling of making something in your head that doesn’t exist, to make it real.” And real they are, because if you stare long enough at a Gerald Wiggins piece you may ask, Did that octopus just move?