John’s time in Wanganui led to the inspiration for the forms of the works that can be found in this exhibition. The circular form of the dome is echoed in the work Wrestler which is inspired by the Sarjeant’s own Wrestlers which can be seen on entering the Gallery. John’s work is not so much about wrestling but an unsettling combination of silencing and suffocation.
-Bending Hammers Introduction

John’s interest in ceramics began while he was at secondary school and during art school it was his preferred medium. After graduation he chose to focus primarily on ceramic production. Since art school, John has determinedly stuck with ceramics and successfully pushed the boundaries of the medium and, over the last few years, has also created multi-part works that have occupied spaces in unexpected ways.