ArtBuzz

The Font O' Fire: Minimalist Modern FirePit in Recycled Steel

Font O' Fire: Minimalist Modern FirePit in Recycled Steel

Design © 2005-2007, John T Unger

 

The Font O' Fire has a grace to it that complements nearly any setting. If you're looking for a tasteful, minimalist firebowl for a modern home this might be just the ticket. The Font O' Fire holds a good-sized fire, using charcoal or wood.

Hand-cut and ground to a smooth finish, the Font O' Fire has a pleasing rust patina as the standard finish. If you prefer black, you can paint the grill with a high-temperature grill or automotive spray paint. The heavy 1/4 inch thick steel plate can be left outdoors year round, requiring no maintenance to last generations. A hole is cut in the center of the bowl to allow water to drain. If you'd like to order the bowl to use as a water feature (without drain hole) drop me a line.

Font O' Fire: Style and Size Guide
37" Pedestal 30" Pedestal 30" Slim Base 24" Slim Base
click thumbnail to view larger image. Design © 2005-2007, John T Unger

 

Font O' Fire: Modern Recycled Steel FirePit
	37 inch Font O' Fire pedestal model: $849 price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 37" in diameter, 15" high, bowl is 8" deep
	30 inch Font O' Fire pedestal model: $649 price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 30" in diameter, 15" high, bowl is 6" deep
	30 inch Font O' Fire Slim Base: $599 price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 30" in diameter, 11" high, bowl is 6" deep
	24 inch Font O' Fire Slim Base: $499 price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 24" in diameter, 10" high, bowl is 6" deep
	Upgrade to natural gas or propane burning firepit: $199 19 inch stainless steel, double ring gas burner ships separately. Read more about gas-burning firepits below. Looking for fire glass or remote-ignition gas burners? Call Steven at FireCrystals.
	Looking for something a little different? I can create a custom Fire Bowl to meet your needs! Get in touch to discuss your ideas.

The Beach Burner Portable Bonfire: 24 and 30 inch Recycled Steel Fire Pits

The Beach Burner Portable Bonfire: 24 and 30 inch Recycled Steel Fire Pits

 

The 24 inch Beach Burner Portable Bonfire is the largest size firebowl I can ship via ground carriers and the smallest fire bowl that can be converted to a gas burning firepit. The vertical sides and rounded base make this the perfect portable firebowl for beach bonfires. The standard finish is rust, although bowls may be shiny when they first arrive… It takes a little time and fire to get the full patina. If desired, you can paint the bowl with high temperature automotive or grill paint. Designed to become an everlasting part of your family tradition, the Beach Burner is cut from heavy steel plate which will last generations outdoors with no maintenance. Gather friends and family to celebrate around a roaring blaze year-round.

For a serious luau, consider the 30 inch Beach Burner Portable Bonfire! The photo below shows the difference in size between the two. The 30 inch version ships freight on a single pallet due to it's size, but is easily loaded into a car or truck for camping, ski trips or beach parties.

 

The Beach Burner Portable Bonfire
	24" Beach Burner Portable Bonfire: $548 Price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 18" high overall, bowl is 18" deep, 70 lbs
	30" Beach Burner Portable Bonfire: $748  Price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 23" high overall, bowl is 23" deep, 100 lbs
	Upgrade to natural gas or propane burning firepit: $199 19 inch stainless steel, double ring gas burner ships separately. Looking for fire glass or remote-ignition gas burners? Call Steven at FireCrystals.
	Looking for something a little different? I can create a custom Fire Bowl to meet your needs! Get in touch to discuss your ideas.

 

Movie: Beach Burner Portable Bonfire Cookin' with Gas! In keeping with the environmental philosophy behind making the Great Bowl from 100% recycled material, I am now offering the Great Bowl ready-to-fit with clean-burning propane or natural gas burners. Gas is not only safer and cleaner than wood fire, it's also more convenient since you can turn the fire on and off at will! In many areas where open wood fires are prohibited, a gas pit will pass inspection because it creates no sparks (although you should check your local ordinances to be certain). It's an especially nice option with this portable-sized firebowl, because it makes bonfires at the beach easy (just hook up a 20 pound propane tank, like a grill) and keeps the sand clean of ash and coals.
click thumbnail to view larger image. Design © 2005-2007, John T Unger

 

Waves O' Fire 37 Inch FireBowl

Waves O' Fire: 37" Recycled Steel Fire Pit

Scroll down to learn more or purchase your own Great Waves O' Fire!

click thumbnail to view larger image. Design © 2005-2007, John T Unger

 

The Waves O' Fire  brings together all of the four elements: Fire when lit, Water in the design, Air to feed the fire (or perhaps in the form of natural gas) and Earth in the steel itself. It's a full-on Feng Shui garden feature in a classical and pleasing design. I particularly love the shadows cast by this design… the play of light and dark extends the metaphor of balance and harmony. To learn more about the features of this firepit, visit the page for the original Great Bowl O' Fire .

The Waves O' Fire can also be customized to work as a fountain or water feature. Just drop me an email from the contact page and we'll make it happen. Pricing for water features will vary based on particulars of the project, but start at the same price as the fire bowl.

 

Waves O' Fire: 37 inch Diameter Steel Fire Pit
	37" Diameter Waves O' Fire: $874 Price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 22" high overall, bowl is 18" deep, base is 12" in diameter
	30" Diameter Waves O' Fire: $598 Price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 19" high overall, bowl is 15" deep, base is 11" in diameter
	Upgrade to natural gas or propane burning firepit: $199 19 inch stainless steel, double ring gas burner ships separately. Looking for fire glass or remote-ignition gas burners? Call Steven at FireCrystals.
	Looking for something a little different? I can create a custom Fire Bowl to meet your needs! Get in touch to discuss your ideas.

Waves O' Glory Brazier: A New Water Motif for Spring

Design © 2007, John T Unger

 

The Waves O' Glory Brazier is a new design for spring based on a recent commission I did for The Episcopal Canterbury Fellowship at Mississippi State University. I liked the design so much that I've decided to make it a standard offering. The original was created as a container to kindle a paschal fire for  Easter Vigil, but just like the original Blaze O' Glory, this little grill makes a handsome addition to any deck, patio or garden.

Hand cut  from scrap 100 lb propane tanks, the Waves O' Glory offers an alternative to the Great Bowl O' Fire for those with limited  space or budgets. Whether you live in the city, suburb, or country, this brazier is a great way to take the chill out of spring or fall evening and extend the outdoor season.

The Waves O' Glory is also fun for cook outs. With more surface area than the Pot-de-Feu Grill, the Waves O' Glory works great for burgers, BBQ and chicken. Head over to Amazon and pick up a cooking grate, stainless steel skewers and tongs.

The Waves O' Glory ships disassembled. The top and base thread easily onto the stem and disassemble just as easily for storage or transport. A rust finish is standard, but you can paint the Waves O' Glory with high temperature engine paint if you like.

 

Waves O' Glory Brazier: Recycled Steel Grill
	36" tall Brazier: $325 price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. bowl is 14.5" in diameter and 12" deep, base is 17" diameter.
	Looking for something a little different? I can create a custom grill to meet your needs! Get in touch to discuss your ideas. Suggested Accessory:

 

 

Each Waves O' Glory Brazier is unique. I cut them all by hand, never repeating the same design. Indoors or out, the heavy steel needed to hold compressed gas insures that your grill will last decades with little or no maintenance. If you like the Waves O' Glory, be sure to check out the rest of the Recycled Fire Line by clicking the thumbnails at the bottom of this post. You might also want to check out the original Blaze O' Glory with flame motif. Features of this unique, hand-crafted design: 90% recycled content (stem is new steel) Safe and fun outdoor heat source Can be used for cooking with optional grill Heavy steel lasts decades without maintenance Each  is a unique, handcrafted work of art Water drains through stem to prevent rust damage Each  is an unique, handcrafted work of art, signed by the artist. The cut steel flames make great rests for cooking. Safety tips: Please note that the grill does get hot when used for charcoal fires and that the points of the flames are sharp. The inside of the grill can be rinsed with a garden hose or cleaned with a long handled wire brush. Allow grill to cool  before cleaning. Wear leather gloves when cleaning with a brush.

Frog Fountain Wire Sculpture

Frog Fountain, 2004 Steel, wire, hose, copper, paint 61" L x 28" W x 12" H (65" H with stand) Available from Cycling Salamander Gallery
The better part of two 1/4 mile spools of wire went into making this fountain. I found myself singing Bo Diddley's Who Do You Love? pretty much the whole time I was making it (47 miles of barbed wire, etc.). You can read more about the process and see photos of the frog in progress by visiting this entry of the studio blog.
Alternate view	Detail	Detail
	Movie	Movie
click thumbnail to view larger image.

The Blaze O Glory Brazier: Recycled Patio Grill

Design © 2006-2007, John T Unger
click thumbnail to view larger image.

 

Take the edge off a chilly night with this festive deck warmer! The Blaze O' Glory Brazier is a safe and fun way to heat the outdoors, while creating some smokin' ambience. Hand cut  from scrap 100 lb propane tanks, the Blaze O' Glory offers an alternative to the Great Bowl O' Fire for those with limited yard space or budgets. Whether you live in the city, suburb, or country, this baby will add pizzazz to your patio as it casts a constant shadow play of dancing flames.

The Blaze O' Glory is also fun for cook outs. With more surface area than the Pot-de-Feu Grill, the Blaze O' Glory works great for burgers, BBQ and chicken. Head over to Amazon and pick up a cooking grate, stainless steel skewers and tongs to make your next outdoor meal a Blaze-B-Q!

The Blaze O' Glory ships disassembled. The top and base thread easily onto the stem and disassemble just as easily for storage or transport. A rust finish is standard, but you can paint the Blaze O' Glory with high temperature engine paint if you like.

The Blaze O' Glory is also available in a new design featuring a water motif. Check out the Waves O' Glory Brazier.

 

Blaze O Glory Brazier: Recycled Steel Grill
	36" tall Brazier: $325 price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. bowl is 14.5" in diameter and 12" deep, base is 17" diameter.
	Looking for something a little different? I can create a custom grill to meet your needs! Get in touch to discuss your ideas. Suggested Accessory:

 

Each Blaze O' Glory Brazier is unique. I cut them all by hand, never repeating the same design. Indoors or out, the heavy steel needed to hold compressed gas insures that your grill will last decades with little or no maintenance. If you like the Blaze O' Glory, be sure to check out the rest of the Recycled Fire Line by clicking the thumbnails at the bottom of this post. Features of this unique, hand-crafted design: 90% recycled content (stem is new steel) Safe and fun outdoor heat source Can be used for cooking with optional grill Heavy steel lasts decades without maintenance Each  is a unique, handcrafted work of art Water drains through stem to prevent rust damage Each  is an unique, handcrafted work of art, signed by the artist. The cut steel flames make great rests for cooking. Safety tips: Please note that the grill does get hot when used for charcoal fires and that the points of the flames are sharp. The inside of the grill can be rinsed with a garden hose or cleaned with a long handled wire brush. Allow grill to cool  before cleaning. Wear leather gloves when cleaning with a brush.

A Hot Little Portable Grill for Summer

Design © 2005-2007, John T Unger

 

The Pot-de-Feu (pot of fire) grill is hand-cut by artist John T. Unger from scrap 20 lb propane tanks. Each is an unique work of art, never to be exactly repeated. Great Green Goods has called the Pot-de-Feu “the eco-friendly, hip and happening wedding present of 2006."

The Pot-de-Feu is a great way to turn cooking into a fun and sociable event— place the grill at the center of an outdoor table and gather friends for an evening of conversation and tasty treats.

Combining elements of Mongolian barbeque, tapas and fondue, the Pot-de-Feu is perfect for grilling kebabs, satay, veggies, and is well suited for sausage and burgers. For best results, cut food into bite-size pieces and arrange on stainless steel skewers. Use tongs to turn the skewers for even cooking.

For hors d'oeuvres or snacks, it's easy to share one grill among 3-4 people. For a dramatic dinner party, consider ordering a set of four or six grills so that everyone can have their own. Side dishes of rice, couscous or other grains round out the meal. The Pot-de-Feu grill encourages leisurely, healthful dining at a relaxed pace.

 

Pot-de-Feu Portable Grill
	Single Pot-de-Feu Portable Grill, Rust Finish $75, Free Shipping
	Single Pot-de-Feu Portable Grill, Black $80, Free Shipping
	Dinner Set: 4 Pot-de-Feu Portable Grills, Black $200 plus $40 S+H
	Party Set: 6 Pot-de-Feu Portable Grills, Black $300 plus $60 S+H
	Note: to discuss wholesale orders, please email me or call 231.584.2710

 

 

click thumbnail to view larger image.
Each Grill is unique, as you can see here. I cut them all by hand, never repeating the same design. The Pot-de-Feu is a work of art designed to last decades. This stylish, portable grill weighs only 6.5 lbs and is 7 Inches high with a diameter of 12 inches. Use charcoal fires for cooking, or fill with sand and use an alcohol or oil lamp for ambience. The Pot-de-Feu has been featured on SlashFood, Treehugger, Great Green Goods, and Hippyshopper. If you like the Pot-de-Feu, be sure to also check out the rest of my Recycled Fire Line by clicking the thumbnails at the bottom of this post. Features of this hand-crafted design: 100% recycled content Warm rust finish requires zero maintenance 1/8” steel will last a lifetime Each grill is a unique work of art, signed by the artist Holes allow for air flow and water drainage The cut steel flames make great cooking rests for cooking   Safety tips: Please note that the grill does get hot when used for charcoal fires and that the points of the flames are sharp. When using the Pot-de-Feu as a tabletop grill, set a paving stone or other protective material under the grill. The inside of the grill can be rinsed with a garden hose or cleaned with a long handled wire brush. Allow grill to cool  before cleaning. Wear leather gloves when cleaning with a brush.

The Great Bowl O' Fire Recycled Steel Fire Pit

The Great Bowl O' Fire: Recycled Steel Fire Pit
Scroll down to learn more or purchase your own Great Bowl O Fire!
click thumbnail to view larger image. Design © 2005-2007, John T Unger

 

It's easy to see why fire features have become such a popular element of landscape design… The warmth and focus of an open hearth under the stars provides a great space for socializing and conversation, extending the living area of your home to the outdoors. An evening around the fire is a pleasurable pastime, as flames capture the imagination, sparking ancient memories spanning back to the dawn of time. The constant movement and change of fire is both soothing and exciting, the perfect backdrop for tall tales, quiet reflection or intimate moments.

Designed to become an everlasting part of your family tradition, The Great Bowl O’ Fire is an unique work of art hand-cut by artist John T Unger. No two are exactly alike, as the flames are drawn free-hand. Gather friends and family to celebrate around a roaring blaze year-round. The raised bowl allows you to sit comfortably without having to lean forward to stay warm. Keep your feet toasty, tucked below the rim of the bowl and bask in the full-body radiance that a raised firebowl offers. An outdoor fire pit is a great way to extend the outdoor living season.

The Great Bowl O’ Fire makes a stunning focal point for yards, patios and gardens. Unlike many outdoor firepits which look dirty or empty when unlit, The Great Bowl O’ Fire functions as a gorgeous sculptural element either hot or cold. By day, the flame shapes cast intriguing shadows both inside and outside the bowl and the rich tones of the patina suggest a warm blaze. At night, with a fire burning, the bowl casts flickering shadows as lively as the fire within.

 

The Great Bowl O' Fire: Choose from three sizes
	41" Diameter Great Bowl O' Fire: $998.00  Price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 26" high overall, bowl is 22" deep, base is 15" in diameter
	37" Diameter Great Bowl O' Fire: $874 price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 22" high overall, bowl is 18" deep, base is 12" in diameter
	30" Diameter Great Bowl O' Fire: $598 price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 19" high overall, bowl is 15" deep, base is 11" in diameter
	Upgrade to natural gas or propane burning firepit: $199 19 inch stainless steel, double ring gas burner ships separately. Read more about gas-burning firepits below. Looking for fire glass or remote-ignition gas burners? Call Steven at FireCrystals.
	Looking for something a little different? I can create a custom Fire Bowl to meet your needs! Get in touch to discuss your ideas.

 

Sculptural Elegance, Functional Art

Watch the video to see the Great Bowl O Fire come alive with fire!

Le Grand Flambeau: Recycled Steel Tiki Torches

click thumbnail to view larger image. Design © 2005-2007, John T Unger

 

Made from 100% recycled materials, these flame-cut tall candle holders are the perfect complement to the Great Bowl O' Fire. Each  is hand cut with a torch from scrap oxygen tanks.  A votive candle , oil lamp or smudge pot placed inside the torch will make the flame design flicker just as though the steel were live fire.

The standard version has a base for indoor use, patios and decks. Make  the torch any height you wish by purchasing a length of standard 3/4" black gas pipe, threaded on both ends. The Grand Flambeau Torch ships disassembled. The torch head and base thread easily onto the pipe and disassemble just as easily for storage or transport. If you're electrically inclined, it's quite easy to wire the torch through the stem in order to install an electric light fixture.

If you prefer to stick the torch into the ground, you can  order the torch head only.  Allow an extra 18" when you buy pipe to insure the torch is pushed deeply enough into the ground.

Torches come standard in a rust finish. If you would like them in black, purchase the powder coat finish option separately when you order.

 

Le Grand Flambeau: Recycled Steel Torch
medium	100% Recycled Steel
size	Torch head is 12-15" high, base is 14-15" diameter You may choose the height of the torch.
availability	Currently out of production due to difficulty sourcing tanks. Call or email to check availability.

 

Each Grand Flambeau Torch is unique. I cut them all by hand, never repeating the same design. Indoors or out, these artistic tikis will last generations. The Grand Flambeau Torch has been reviewed online at: Great Green Goods and Luxury Housing Trends. If you like the Grand Flambeau, be sure to also check out the rest of my Recycled Fire Line by clicking the thumbnails at the bottom of this post. Features of this unique, hand-crafted design: 100% recycled content Adjust height to your preference when you buy pipe for the stem Warm rust finish requires zero maintenance 1/4" plate steel will last lifetimes without rusting out Each Flame Torch is a unique, handcrafted work of art Water drains through stem when torch is used outdoors. This also makes wiring a torch for electric light fixtures an easy project. Each torch is an unique, handcrafted work of art, signed by the artist.

The Great Bowl O' Fire Recycled Steel Fire Pit

The Great Bowl O' Fire: Recycled Steel Fire Pit
Scroll down to learn more or purchase your own Great Bowl O Fire!
click thumbnail to view larger image. Design © 2005-2007, John T Unger

 

It's easy to see why fire features have become such a popular element of landscape design… The warmth and focus of an open hearth under the stars provides a great space for socializing and conversation, extending the living area of your home to the outdoors. An evening around the fire is a pleasurable pastime, as flames capture the imagination, sparking ancient memories spanning back to the dawn of time. The constant movement and change of fire is both soothing and exciting, the perfect backdrop for tall tales, quiet reflection or intimate moments.

Designed to become an everlasting part of your family tradition, The Great Bowl O’ Fire is an unique work of art hand-cut by artist John T Unger. No two are exactly alike, as the flames are drawn free-hand. Gather friends and family to celebrate around a roaring blaze year-round. The raised bowl allows you to sit comfortably without having to lean forward to stay warm. Keep your feet toasty, tucked below the rim of the bowl and bask in the full-body radiance that a raised firebowl offers. An outdoor fire pit is a great way to extend the outdoor living season.

The Great Bowl O’ Fire makes a stunning focal point for yards, patios and gardens. Unlike many outdoor firepits which look dirty or empty when unlit, The Great Bowl O’ Fire functions as a gorgeous sculptural element either hot or cold. By day, the flame shapes cast intriguing shadows both inside and outside the bowl and the rich tones of the patina suggest a warm blaze. At night, with a fire burning, the bowl casts flickering shadows as lively as the fire within.

 

The Great Bowl O' Fire: Choose from three sizes
	41" Diameter Great Bowl O' Fire: $998.00  Price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 26" high overall, bowl is 22" deep, base is 15" in diameter
	37" Diameter Great Bowl O' Fire: $874 price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 22" high overall, bowl is 18" deep, base is 12" in diameter
	30" Diameter Great Bowl O' Fire: $598 price includes shipping for US orders in the lower 48 states. 19" high overall, bowl is 15" deep, base is 11" in diameter
	Upgrade to natural gas or propane burning firepit: $199 19 inch stainless steel, double ring gas burner ships separately. Read more about gas-burning firepits below. Looking for fire glass or remote-ignition gas burners? Call Steven at FireCrystals.
	Looking for something a little different? I can create a custom Fire Bowl to meet your needs! Get in touch to discuss your ideas.

 

Sculptural Elegance, Functional Art

Watch the video to see the Great Bowl O Fire come alive with fire!

A Jazzy Table That Waits On You

 

I think this table speaks pretty well for itself… Although it won't go fetch drinks and bring them to you, it will certainly hold them at your beck and call, leaving your hands free for wild gesticulation, or, well, whatever you need your hands free for. Me, I sometimes wave my hands around a lot during cocktail hour.

I'm partial to the way that this table works as both a sculpture and a functional piece. It also walks a nice line between modernist simplicity and cottage whimsy. You don't see that very often, if you think about it.

 

Jazz Café Table, 2003
medium	Steel, Glass, Copper
size	34" x 20" x 20"
price	$450.00 plus $75 S+H
	Purchase item $525