What were your favourite sweets growing up? Chewy milk bottles? Jaffas? Gobstoppers and chocolate fish? Sculptor Simon Lewis-Wards has made a name for himself casting large and small glass candies, combining his interest in Kiwiana and the nostalgia that accompanies it. You might have seen his dozens of suspended giant glass jet plane lollies at Auckland's Sylvia Park. He credits that commission with allowing him to branch out to try new techniques, to refine the art he produces not only in glass but also ceramics and brass. Simon's self taught, coming to sculpture after working in various trades, and tells Lynn Freeman why his glass sweets caught on to quickly. Simon Lewis-Wards will be talking about his sculptures at the Ramp Festival at Wintec in Waikato, that starts on Tuesday.