Cast from John's original carvings, these cicadas
bring to life his childhood experiences of the seelusive and charismatic creatures.

Emerging from their earthly shelter, a cicada's curious
life cycle is considered by some a symbol of rebirth
and rejuvenation, but for many of us their whizzing
call is a reminder of warm summer days.

I spend a lot of time carving wax on the ferry on my
way to work. Sydney harbour is an inspirationa
landscape and I can settle into the meditative process
of carving my detailed forms.
Cicadas spend a lot of time existing under the ground
before they emerge and make themselves proudly
known. And in some cultures this life cycle of earthly
ascendance has symbolised rebirth and
rejuvenation.My works are produced using the lost
wax cast technique, and every wax impression takenfrom my master forms are hand detailed, coat in
plaster and steam out from its mould (Hence the
name 'lost wax'. Then the glass is cast into the
mould at a high temperature (900 degrees Celsius),
and finally when everything has cooled down the
works are engraved, cut and sandblasted.