ArtBuzz

Masks from Recycled Shovel Blades: the Face of Spades Series

Inspired by traditional mask designs from all over the world, each Face of Spades carving is made from 100% recycled materials— breathing new life into the atoms of the abandoned.

Shovels retired after a life of hard labor are reborn as playful, intriguing masks— faces peering back as if astonished by their own renewed existence. From whimsical, cartoonish expressions exaggerated for impact, to hauntingly beautiful adaptations of traditional tribal designs, the collection features 24 designs resplendent in their individuality. Stoic or serene, silly or insouciant, their glances enhance the indoors and outdoors alike. A single mask makes an excellent accent piece, but the most exciting display is to group a series of the shovel-mugged characters to create your own custom totem pole.

The tradition of masks has haunted and enchanted the dreams of man for millennia. Rain forests hide glaring eyes and snarled lips amongst twisted vines and water-wet branches as shamans craft faces to protect and faces to defend. Masks of the Far East embellished with their red and black lacquered paints give character to the actors of old and knit the fabric of stories for generations. What do they foretell of your destiny? Will they ward off evil or draw in spirits that bless? Display the Face of Spades series as a single mask, or combine them for a powerful grouped display to embellish fences, deck railings, or even to construct a forest of tree faces. Since the intricate designs are crafted freehand, without the use of guides and stencils, Face of Spades masks each contain their own unique spiritual fingerprint.

Whether a playful grin is more your style or a powerful sneer conveys your message, the Face of Spades series has character abounding. The expressions are drawn from within as if they had lain dormant within the metal for eons. Once exposed to nature's influence they'll turn a rich rust color, a perfect compliment to the flora and fauna that graces their newfound environs.

Since each mask is hand-cut, carving freehand without the use of templates, your mask may vary slightly from the photo shown. To preserve the mask outdoors, it's not a bad idea to spray it with WD-40 once a year or so.

Face of Spades: Masks, Tree Faces or Totem Pole Heads
$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets
$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets
$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets
$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets
$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets	$59 plus S+H. Buy at: 1000 Markets
All Face of Spade Designs © 2009-2010, John T Unger

Recycled Steel Garden Gong

This garden gong makes a nice zen accent for any garden. Each is hand-cut from a recycled Oxygen tank. The decorative piece on top is a scrap piece from making the Great Bowl O' Fire fire pits. My gongs are all one of a kind and tend to vary in design and tone. There is no ringer or "clanger" on the inside of the gong, but they come with a steel mallet for ringing that you can see if you click the detail image below. The hanger shown in the photo is made from a farm implement that plows the earth. The hanger must be ordered separately. I think that it makes a nice complement to the gong, but many people prefer to use their own method of hanging.
	Zen Garden Gong, Hanger + Mallet: $499 with shipping* 16" to 24" tall x 9" diameter
	*Shipping: Price includes shipping for US orders and Canada, excluding Alaska and Hawaii (please call or email for rates to AK and HI). For International Orders please see FAQ here.

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

	30" Beach Burner Portable Bonfire: $749 with shipping* 23" high overall, bowl is 23" deep, 100 lbs
	24" Beach Burner Portable Bonfire: $649 with shipping* 18" high overall, bowl is 18" deep, 70 lbs
SHIPPING	*Price includes shipping for US orders and Canada, excluding Alaska and Hawaii (please call or email for rates to AK and HI). For International Orders please see FAQ here.
	The Beach Burner is suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.
	Upgrade to natural gas or propane burning firepit: The Beach Burner Portable Bonfire ships ready-to-fit for clean-burning propane or natural gas burners. A simple manual light burner is best for most installations. Manual light: Order a 22" or 24" stainless burner from FireCrystals. For remote-ignition gas burners, call Steven at FireCrystals, 805.237.9188.

 

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.

 

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). Gas is 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. Firebowl design © 2007-2010, John T Unger

 

Waves O' Fire Recycled Steel FireBowl

BUY NOW	37" Diameter Waves O' Fire: $999 with shipping* 22" high overall, bowl is 18" deep, base is 12" in diameter
SHIPPING	*Price includes shipping for US orders and Canada, excluding Alaska and Hawaii (please call or email for rates to AK and HI). For International Orders please see FAQ here.
	The Waves O' Fire is suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.
	Upgrade to natural gas or propane burning firepit: The Waves O' Fire ships ready-to-fit for clean-burning propane or natural gas burners. A simple manual light burner is best for most installations. Manual light: Order a 22" or 24" stainless burner from FireCrystals. For remote-ignition gas burners, call Steven at FireCrystals, 805.237.9188.
OTHER SIZES	Sign up for my email newsletter to be notified when other sizes are available. The Waves O' Fire is sometimes available in a 30 inch diameter or 41 inch diameter. Due to the scarcity of these sizes, they are offered exclusively to email newsletter subscribers on a first-come, first served basis. learn why.

The Waves O' Fire brings together all of the four elements: Fire when lit, Water in the design, Air to feed the fire 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. Of all my Artisanal Firebowl designs, this one creates some of the most beautiful reflections when sited by a pool or reflecting pond.

Hand-cut and ground to a smooth finish, the Waves O' Fire has a pleasing rust patina as the standard finish. If you prefer black, you can paint the bowl 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.

click thumbnail to view larger image. Firebowl design © 2007-2010, John T. Unger

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

BUY NOW	36" tall Brazier: $399 with shipping* bowl is 14.5" in diameter and 12" deep, base is 17" diameter.
SHIPPING	*Price includes shipping for US orders and Canada, excluding Alaska and Hawaii (please call or email for rates to AK and HI). For International Orders please see FAQ here.
	The Waves O' Glory is suitable for wood, charcoal or gel fuel fires.

 

The Waves O' Glory Brazier was first created as a commission for The Episcopal Canterbury Fellowship at Mississippi State University to hold 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.

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. The Waves O' Glory works great for burgers, BBQ and chicken.

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 desired.

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

BUY NOW	36" tall Blaze O' Glory Brazier: $399 with shipping* bowl is 14.5" in diameter and 12" deep, base is 17" diameter.
SHIPPING	*Price includes shipping for US orders and Canada, excluding Alaska and Hawaii (please call or email for rates to AK and HI). For International Orders please see FAQ here.
	The Blaze O' Glory is suitable for wood, charcoal or gel fuel fires.

 

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' ambiance. 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 Firebird 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 desired.

 

click thumbnail to view larger image. Firebowl design © 2006-2010, John T. Unger

The Firebird Grill— A Hot Little Portable Grill for Summer

BUY NOW	Firebird Portable Grill, unpainted: $129 with shipping* 12" diameter, 7-8" high.
SHIPPING	*Price includes shipping for US orders and Canada, excluding Alaska and Hawaii (please call or email for rates to AK and HI). For International Orders please see FAQ here.
	The Firebird Grill is suitable for wood, charcoal or gel fuel fires.

The Firebird Grill (formerly Pot-de-Feu) 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 Firebird Grill "the eco-friendly, hip and happening wedding present of 2006."

The Firebird 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 Firebird 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.

click thumbnail to view larger image. Firebowl design © 2005-2010, John T. Unger

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

The Firebird is a work of art designed to last decades. Each Grill is cut by hand, never repeating the same design.

This stylish, portable grill weighs only 6.5 lbs and is 7 Inches high with a diameter of 12 inches. Use charcoal, gel fuel or wood fires for cooking, or fill with sand and use an alcohol or oil lamp for ambiance. The Firebird has been featured on SlashFood, Treehugger, Great Green Goods, and Hippyshopper.

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: $1249.00  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: $999 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: $749 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.

 

Features of this unique, hand-crafted design:

The Great Bowl O' Fire is a gorgeous sculptural element even when not in use. The play of light and shadow as the sun moves across it is as entrancing as the dance of fire. 100% recycled content Can be converted to clean-burning propane or natural gas Provides safer fires on windy evenings The weight of the bowl makes this an exceptionally stable outdoor firepit. Even when given a sound kick, it will not tip Requires zero maintenance Holds and radiates heat Raised bowl warms the whole body, allows more comfortable seating 1/4” plate steel will last essentially forever Holds more wood than any commercial fire pit Warm your feet below the raised bowl Each firebowl is a unique work of art, signed by the artist Center hole allows air flow and water drainage Detached base and sturdy handles make moving the Great Bowl easy The cut steel flames make great cooking rests for  sausages or marshmallows

 

Blogs and Media Love The Great Bowl O' Fire!
Print: Variety Magazine The Chicago Tribune San Francisco Chronicle Chicago Sun Times Detroit News Wave Magazine Tattoos for Men Magazine Traverse Magazine Grand Gardens Magazine The Wednesday Journal Staten Island Advance Hawaii News	Web: DIY Network 2006 Holiday Gift Guide Boing Boing Materialicious Great Green Goods collisiondetection Land + Living metaefficient hippyshopper Gaping Void Green Upgrader Green Daily and many, many more.

 

The Great Bowl Goes Great With Gas!
Gas burning  Bowls O' Fire on pillars at the Brick Oven Courtyard Grille in Topeka, KS.
click thumbnail to view larger image.
In keeping with the environmental philosophy behind making the Great Bowl from 100% recycled material, the Great Bowl is 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). Burners ship direct from manufacturer and require some assembly. Burner assembly should be handled by a professional pipe fitter or plumber.

 

Where Can I See or Buy The Great Bowl O' Fire?

View Larger Map

Red points map public locations such as restaurants, hotels, resorts and churches where you may view the Great Bowl O' Fire in person. Green Points map galleries and stores that carry my firebowls. To see a map of nearly all the firebowls I've shipped, visit this page. To preserve privacy, residences are not mapped closely enough to find— they are approximate locations only (town and state). But it's cool to see just how many firebowls are out there.

 

What Customers say about The Great Bowl O' Fire:

I just had to call a Liturgist friend of mine in Des Moines and brag a bit! I told him "I now have the coolest Easter Vigil firepit in the country!" He said, "It's not a contest, Vicky," and I said, "Oh yes it is! Haven't you been paying attention!?!" – Victoria Tufano, Director of Liturgy, Ascension Church John, I received my fire bowl today and can't wait to christen it. It is beautiful and perfect! I'm pretty sure I got the best one you have ever made! The FedEx guy said it caused quite a stir at both the warehouse and the dispatch dock -- no one had ever seen anything like it! Thank you for your excellent work and I certainly appreciate your creativity and talent. I hope you will be getting many more customers as my friends visit and see and enjoy my fire bowl. – Ralph, Chantilly, VA The firebowl arrived, it looks GREAT! Thanks so much for everything… the bowl is just what I wanted (even the doormen thought it was amazing) and I am REALLY excited to check it out in action!– Wendy, NYC John, Received today. Bowl is KILLER! Thanks a lot! I'm going to order some torches soon as well.– Ted, Salinas, CA We’re really pleased. It added a wonderful element to our Vigil and the lighting of the paschal fire. People like its symbolism and functionality! – Rev.  Ponder, Episcopal Church of the Resurrection

 

The Great Bowl O' Fire in Architecture and Design:
The Great Bowl is a favorite of architects and designers. Reserve one of eight private firebowls at RumFire, Waikiki's hottest nightspot, or enjoy patio dining lit by three gas-fired Bowls on stone pillars at the Brick Oven Courtyard Grille in Topeka, KS. The Great Bowl is the centerpiece of the water park at Landmark Resort Hotel in Myrtle Beach, SC. Need something custom for a landscape or design project? I can do that too. Shoot me an email to get started! The powerful symbolism of the Great Bowl has even earned it a place in religious tradition— The Archdiocese of Chicago purchased one for the Easter Vigil at Ascension Church in Oak Park, IL as part of Ascension's Centennial renovation, and a customized version was commissioned by Rev. J. Brian Ponder for The Episcopal Canterbury Fellowship at Mississippi State University. See the map above for other restaurants, hotels, resorts and churches that have used the Great Bowl O' Fire in their projects.
click thumbnail to view larger image.

 

An Heirloom-Quality Work of Art, Made to Last
Each Fire Bowl is unique. I cut them all by hand, never repeating the exact same design. Your Great Bowl O' Fire is a one of a kind work of functional art!
click thumbnail to view larger image.
Safety Considerations: The weight of the bowl nests into the detached base to make this an exceptionally stable outdoor firepit, which will not tip even when given a sound kick. In many ways, a raised bowl is safer than a sunken firepit, which is easier to fall into. Sturdy handles and a detached base make the bowl easy for two people to move safely. Please note that like any fire pit, the bowl does get hot  and can retain heat for several hours after a fire has burned down to embers. The points of the flames are sharp. Please exercise proper caution… I will not be held legally liable for injuries due to carelessness. That said, a raised bowl is in many ways much safer than a fire pit recessed into the ground. It's easier to see and harder to fall into. The inside of the bowl can be rinsed with a garden hose or cleaned with a long handled wire brush. Allow bowl to cool overnight before cleaning. Wear leather gloves when cleaning with a brush.
Environmental Considerations: Sustainability is a major focus of my work as an artist. My creative mandate is sustainable design with an edge. Just because we're good doesn't mean we have to be boring, right? I work primarily with recycled or re-used materials to minimize my impact on natural resources, climate and the environment. I design for permanence. Most of my objects will last generations with little or no maintenance. I try to create designs which are timeless so that they never become part of the waste stream. I design for functionality. My work is intended to be useful as well as beautiful. Where possible, I design for easy disassembly for shipping or later re-use of materials. The Great Bowl O’ Fire is as eco-friendly as a firepit design can be (see the discussion here on Treehugger). Made from 100% recycled materials, the design scores high on sustainability in other ways as well. The warm rust finish requires zero maintenance and no chemical treatments. Quarter inch steel plate insures the bowl will last generations in any climate. The heavy steel holds and radiates heat like a wood stove, providing more warmth for less fuel. Opt for the gas-burning upgrade to minimize emissions and risk of accidental fire.

CANtern FAQ

       

       

       

 

 

About CANtern Hand-cut Luminaries

To see all currently available designs of CANtern Luminaries, go here.

What I enjoy about making the CANtern luminaries is the way they allow me to think in the exact opposite way I do when I make fences or sculpture… When you're welding steel together, all the lines need to meet and be attached to one another. With the luminaria, the lines can't meet or the whole piece is cut out and falls apart. Working in both styles allows me to explore more deeply the relationship of positive and negative space. Also, because even the most intricate designs must be drawn quickly to avoid burning up the entire can, I've become much more comfortable with drawing as a result of doing the luminaries.

Also, using recycled and/or reused materials in my work is really important to me. The problem with making stuff is that you're making stuff. I feel that if I am going to fill the world with more things, then it is my responsibility to minimize my environmental impact. Most everything I make incorporates some percentage of recycled content. I also design for permanence and try to use the most ecologically sustainable paints, coats, etc. The CANterns are a great way to reuse material with minimal impact to the environment.

Lastly, whenever I've tried to stop making them, suddenly I get deluged with requests for more… heh. So I think I've kind of let the cat out of the bag. Me and the cans are stuck with each other.

Why do people love these?

• 100% recycled content.
• Hand made, signed by the artist.
• Holes in the base allow water to drain.
• Safe for use indoors or out.
• Provide a great way to mark paths at night.
• When lit, the luminaries project cool flickering images.

Are the edges sharp?

No. The process of cutting CANterns with the torch beads up the metal along the edge of the cuts, so the edges are pretty rounded. All the same, you should exercise caution when reaching inside to light candles. Sometimes there's a little tear in the rim from the can opener used to open the can. I try to catch all these, but I wouldn't want anyone getting scratched.

Are re-used cans sanitary?

Yes. I only use cans that have been cleaned before salvage. The cans are heated to about 2500°F when cut. After cutting, the cans are washed again to remove any ash or paint residue and then painted inside and out.

Can I leave my CANterns outdoors indefinitely?

All CANterns are painted with clear enamel and should last several years outdoors without needing to be repainted. If they do need to be retouched, your local hardware store should carry a clear spray enamel.