So what size is perfection?

… Yes, a strange question - but one a lot of people seem to answer with a single word … BIG!

	What of beauty, flow, proportion and poise? In short, what of aesthetics? Of symmetry and balance?

Approx. size 6mm height Note the new 5p piece in the background!

To prove the point, take a look at the sculpture featured within this article.

Now consider the fact that it is carved into a standard-sized toothpick! (yes, you read it right - a toothpick!).

It is small by anyone's standards - a minuscule work of art. Perfect in form and dimension.

So why can this not transpose to real physiques?

Surely a thing of beauty and perfection is such regardless of its sheer size. If a bodybuilder is to stand on stage they should be judged by the package they offer. Should we not look for musculature in accordance with the size of their frame? For symmetry, condition, the separation and flow of muscle bellies as well as their overall stage presence?

This is what body-building should be …

A judgement of the 'complete' package. Of course size is important but not at the expense of the many facets by which one should be judged.

The man responsible for this amazing piece of art is Willard "Wizard" Wigan. A 42-year-old Birmingham man who has a unique eye for proportion and an appreciation for the fine lines that training can create. He has done many large-scale carvings but feels that his miniature work is more of a challenge. The satisfaction he gleans is from showing people that it is not the pure size of his work that is important - it is the intricate detail that he can create (surely a message to us all?).

This carving of IFBB professional Lohani Rochi was created from studying photographs and then engaging in 16 hours of painstaking hand-tooled work (no machines or gadgets are used).

Maybe we should regress back to thinking of body-building as an art form, of 'sculpting' our bodies into something wonderful and precious. Let us be as proud of our work as great artists, such as Willard, are of theirs. Take a look at works such as Michaelangelo's David, the statues of Hercules, physiques of Steve Reeves through to Flex Wheeler - all recognised today as a templates for physical excellence.

While it is true, for better or for worse, that most physiques found in modern body-building bear little resemblance to this ideal we should still be looking to judge them on more than just size. Let us support the beauty that can be achieved with dedication - in the words of Socrates " It is a shame for a person to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which their body is capable".

Display your art - be it on stage or in the street and wear your achievements with pride!