ArtBuzz

Sunfire Modern Steel Firebowl

Scroll down to learn more or purchase your own Sunfire Modern Steel Firebowl! See the Sunfire in action! Watch the video at the bottom of page.
click thumbnail to view larger image. Firebowl design © 2009, John T. Unger

If you're looking for a retro firepit design that would look equally at home outside an Airstream or an architectural masterpiece by Alvar Aalto, the Sunfire Modern Steel Firebowl is a fabulous choice.

Equal parts Space Age, sunburst, and primal element of fire, the Sunfire Modern Steel Firebowl evokes sundials as strongly as satellites. The Sunfire was inspired in part by the 1947 Ball Clock created for Herman Miller when George Nelson, Noguchi and Bucky Fuller spent a festive evening drinking and doodling clock designs together. The Sunfire is an homage to clean, modern design: funky but functional, retro yet classical.

But the Sunfire owes just as much to bebop jazz, the soundtrack of the Modern age. Each Sunfire is a one-of-a-kind, unique work of art created by hand without resorting to a set pattern. The improvised, rhythmized pattern of the spokes is different on every firebowl—just as the dynamic interplay and overlap of virtuoso jazz soloists insures that every time a song is played, it is recognizable and yet an entirely new creation. The Sunfire is visual music, the sun solidified, fire in a Sputnik bowl.

The spokes of the Sunfire are of different lengths and thickness, just as the disks at the end vary in size. Some disks have holes pierced in them. I arrange them improvisationally to create rhythm and melody in striking array. And yes, they all sound a little bit different when you hit them like a marimba.

The spokes range from 4.5" to 11" long, so the Sunfire is much larger than it sounds: I measure the firepit by the diameter of the bowl, rather than the dimensions of the spokes, so a 30 inch Sunfire is actually more like 55 inches on average when measuring across the spokes. This makes it the largest standard firebowl design I offer.

The Sunfire Modern Steel Firebowl has a pleasing rust patina as the standard finish. If you prefer black, you can paint the firebowl 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 and adaptation to gas burners.

Sunfire Modern Steel Firebowl: Choose from three sizes
NOTE: The list size of the Sunfire is the diameter of the bowl, not the overall dimensions. The spokes add about 25 inches to each firebowl, as described below.
	40 inch Sunfire Modern Steel Firebowl: $1499 with shipping* 40" diameter bowl, 18" high, bowl is 9" deep. Actual diameter including spokes is approximately 65 inches.
	37 inch Sunfire Modern Steel Firebowl: $1249 with shipping* 37" diameter bowl, 15" high, bowl is 8" deep. Actual diameter including spokes is approximately 60 inches.
	30 inch Sunfire Modern Steel Firebowl: $999 with shipping* 30" diameter bowl, 15" high, bowl is 6" deep. Actual diameter including spokes is approximately 55 inches.
	The Sunfire Modern Steel Firebowl is suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.
	Upgrade to natural gas or propane burning firepit: The Great Bowl 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.
	*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.

Fiery Fleur-de-Lis Modern Steel Firebowl

Scroll down to learn more or purchase your own Fiery Fleur-de-Lis Modern Firebowl!
click thumbnail to view larger image. Firebowl design © 2009, John T. Unger

Add a touch of royal elegance to your outdoor setting with the Fiery Fleur-de-Lis Modern Firebowl. Leaping from the coals  you can clearly see the fiery steed of a chevalier manifesting the ancient symbolism of faith, wisdom and chivalry associated with this design. Long said to be a symbol of divine favor, the stylized flower design of the Fleur-de-Lis is found in nearly all cultures throughout history and is associated with a rich constellation of meanings. My favorite is the archaic variant fleur-de-luce or "Flower of light" which so precisely describes this firebowl.

A dramatic modern take on a classical design, the Fiery Fleur-de-Lis will gracefully preside over your garden, patio or pool area.

Fiery Fleur-de-Lis Firebowl: Choose from two sizes
	37" Diameter Fiery Fleur-de-Lis: $1249 with shipping* 22" high overall, bowl is 18" deep, base is 12" in diameter
	41" Diameter Fiery Fleur-de-Lis: $1499 with shipping* 26" high overall, bowl is 22" deep, base is 15" in diameter
	The Fiery Fleur-de-Lis is suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.
	Upgrade to natural gas or propane burning firepit: The Great Bowl 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.
	*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 Fiery Fleur-de-Lis was first created as a custom firebowl for a client in British Columbia. Two of the bowls flank the pool overlooking Lake Kelowna shown below. The stone slabs that will eventually cap the pillars that bowls sit on are still be cut, but I'll update this photo as soon as the project is finished.

Dancing Devils Firepit casts lively dancing shadows when you build a fire

Dancing Devils: Storytelling Firebowl
click thumbnail to view larger image. Design © 2005-2009, John T Unger

These dancing devils were adapted from a series of medieval block prints… although they also remind me of Indonesian shadow puppets. Especially because of the way that they cast lively dancing shadows when you build a fire in the firepit. As the flames leap, so do the shadows! How cool is that?

This design was cut freehand with no stencils or jigs. I don't know if I'll evr make another one quite this complex due to the time and effort that went into each figure. I love the way it came out, but future versions will most likely be a bit less detailed and simpler.

Dimensions: 30" diameter x 23" high overall. Bowl is 23" deep.

This is a one time custom firepit design that will never be exactly repeated and has been sold. If you'd like to commission a similar piece, call or email to discuss pricing, stories or lead time.

Goblet O Fire Recycled Steel Charcoal Burner

Scroll down to learn more or purchase your own Goblet O' Fire!
click thumbnail to view larger image. Firebowl design © 2007-2009, John T. Unger

 

The Goblet O' Fire is hand-cut by artist John T. Unger from scrap 20 lb propane tanks and then welded to a heavy cast steel base. Although it may appear that it would easily tip over, the base is much heavier than the bowl and keeps the goblet stable. Each is an unique work of art, never to be exactly repeated.

The Goblet O' Fire can be used for charcoal fires, filled with sand to hold candles, alcohol or gel fuel for ambiance or can even hold small wood fires built from sticks.

The Goblet O' Fire has a pleasing rust patina as the standard finish. If you prefer black, paint with a high-temperature grill or automotive spray paint. The heavy 1/8 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.

 

The Goblet O' Fire Recycled Steel Grill
	Goblet O' Fire : $199 with shipping* 12" in diameter, 12" high, bowl is 6" deep
	The Goblet O' Fire is suitable for wood, charcoal or gel fuel fires.
	*Shipping: Price includes shipping for Domestic US orders only. Alaska, Hawaii or Canada please call or email for rates. For International Orders please see FAQ here.

King Isosceles a classical modern firepit

Scroll down to learn more or purchase your own King Isosceles  firebowl!
click thumbnail to view larger image. Firebowl design © 2007-2009, John T. Unger

The King Isosceles firebowl is a deeper, larger version of  the Isosceles Modern Firepit and has an intriguing geometry with the deep curves cut into its profile. As you can see from the lead photo, the King Isosceles can hold as large a fire as you desire! A favorite among landscape designers seeking a Zen or modern look for their fire features… scroll down to see the King used as the centerpiece of a simple gravel and stone patio.

Hand-cut and ground to a smooth finish, the King Isosceles  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.

Isosceles Firebowls: Style and Size Guide
41" King Isosceles	37" King Isosceles	30" King Isosceles	28" Isosceles Modern

The King Isosceles Firebowl: Choose from three sizes
	41" Diameter King Isosceles : $1249 with shipping* 23" high overall, bowl is 19" deep, base is 15" in diameter
	37" Diameter King Isosceles : $999 with shipping* 21" high overall, bowl is 17" deep, base is 12" in diameter
	30" Diameter King Isosceles : $749 with shipping* 19" high overall, bowl is 15" deep, base is 11" in diameter
	The King Isosceles is suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.
	Upgrade to natural gas or propane burning firepit: The Great Bowl 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.
	*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 Big Bowl O Zen Modern Steel Firebowl

Scroll down to learn more or purchase your own Big Bowl O Zen firebowl!
click thumbnail to view larger image. Firebowl design © 2007-2009, John T. Unger

Every home needs a center of serenity. The calm lines of the Bowl O' Zen make a statement without speaking loudly. It just is.

Modern, classical, contemporary, the Big Bowl O' Zen fits equally well into any landscape. A perfect hemisphere of heavy duty steel on a slim, nearly hidden base, the Big Bowl O' Zen is as simple as truth, as solid as the foundations of knowledge. As the focal point of a meditative space the Big Bowl O' Zen holds it's own council and invites you to peer deeply into the fire to contemplate the spheres of existence.

The pleasing rust patina of the Big Bowl O' Zen gives it a very natural look that harmonizes with the colors of your plantings, landscaping or garden. Hand-cut and ground to a smooth finish, the Big Bowl O' Zen is a hand-crafted, humble artifact requiring no maintenance to last generations. 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. A hole is cut in the center of the bowl to allow water to drain.

The Big Bowl O' Zen can also be used to stunning effect as a planter or container garden.

The Big Bowl O' Zen Firebowl: Choose from three sizes
	41" Diameter Big Bowl O' Zen: $1249 with shipping* 20" high overall, bowl is 22" deep, base is 12" in diameter
	37" Diameter Big Bowl O' Zen: $999 with shipping* 19 " high overall, bowl is 18" deep, base is 12" in diameter
	30" Diameter Big Bowl O' Zen: $749 with shipping* 16 " high overall, bowl is 15" deep, base is 12" in diameter
	The Big Bowl O' Zen is suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.
	Upgrade to natural gas or propane burning firepit: The Great Bowl 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.
	*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.

Great Flaming Lotus Recycled Steel Firebowl

Scroll down to learn more or purchase your own Great Flaming Lotus firebowl!
click thumbnail to view larger image. Firebowl design © 2007-2009, John T. Unger

 

Let the Great Flaming Lotus firepit bring a calming Zen to your garden. Just as the Egyptians regarded the lotus bloom as a symbol of resurrection, this simple and modern firebowl has been reborn from recycled steel. Warm and inviting, the Great Flaming Lotus offers a contemplative centerpiece referencing centuries of spiritual practice associated with the lotus blossom.

Hand-cut and ground to a smooth finish, the Great Flaming Lotus 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. If you'd like to order the bowl to use as a water feature (without drain hole) drop me a line.

 

The Great Flaming Lotus Firebowl: Choose from two sizes
	37" Diameter Great Flaming Lotus: $999 with shipping* 22" high overall, bowl is 18" deep, base is 12" in diameter
	30" Diameter Great Flaming Lotus: $749 with shipping* 19" high overall, bowl is 15" deep, base is 11" in diameter
	The Great Flaming Lotus is suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.
	Upgrade to natural gas or propane burning firepit: The Great Bowl 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.
	*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.

Fire Pit Story: Raven gives the gift of fire to mankind

Raven's Gift of Fire: Storytelling Firebowl
click thumbnail to view larger image. Design © 2005-2009, John T Unger

People love to tell stories around a fire… so it made sense to me to create some narrative fire pits that tell stories themselves. And what better story to begin with than the story of how mankind was given fire?

Of course there are many, many versions of this story. For this project, I chose a Lenape People legend in which Raven brings the gift of fire.

In the first section, you see people huddled together for warmth, cold and unhappy under a freezing sky. If you look closely, Raven is observing this from the top of a tree just below the moon. He decides to take action.

Raven flies up to the sun and grabs fire in his beak, then flies down to give the people the gift of fire. It was the smoke and hot coal that he carried which turned his feathers black. Upon receiving Ravens gift, the people build a roaring blaze and dance around in celebration. Civilization ensues.

Dimensions: 30" diameter x 23" high overall. Bowl is 23" deep.

This is a one time custom firepit design that will never be exactly repeated and has been sold. If you'd like to commission a similar piece, call or email to discuss pricing, stories or lead time.

Isosceles Recycled Steel Fire Pit

Firebowl design © 2007-2009, John T. Unger

A simple, modern styled firepit hand-crafted from 100% recycled steel, the Isosceles Modern has been featured on HGTV's home makeover show, Red Hot & Green (episode 109, Tropical Getaway).

The Isosceles Modern holds a good-sized fire using gas, wood, charcoal or gel fuel fires. The triangular points of the bowl are a perfect complement to the shapes of the flames themselves. The Isosceles Modern is different from the King Isosceles in that it is more of a dish than a bowl… it has a more planar, shallow profile. You can see the difference by consulting the Style and Size Guide below.

Each Isosceles grill is hand cut from a round bowl shape, so dimensions will vary a bit from one to the next. Edges are ground down to a smooth finish. A rust patina is the standard finish, but if you prefer black, you can paint the grill with a high-temperature grill or automotive spray paint. The Isosceles is cut from 1/4 inch thick plate steel. The bowl should last generations with no maintenance. Water drains through a hole in the center of the bowl. (if you'd like to incorporate the Isosceles in a water feature, drop me a line and I can customize one without the drain).

Isosceles Firebowls: Style and Size Guide
28" Isosceles Modern	30" King Isosceles	37" King Isosceles	41" King Isosceles

Isosceles Modern Recycled Steel FirePit
	Isosceles Modern Fire Pit: $445 with shipping* approximately 28" across, 15" high,  70 lbs
	The Isosceles Modern is suitable for gas, wood, charcoal or gel fuel fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.
	Upgrade to natural gas or propane burning firepit: The Great Bowl 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 12" stainless burner from FireCrystals. For remote-ignition gas burners, call Steven at FireCrystals, 805.237.9188.
	*Shipping: Price includes shipping for Domestic US orders only. Alaska, Hawaii or Canada please call or email for rates. For International Orders please see FAQ here.

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

Scroll down to learn more or purchase your own Font O' Fire!
click thumbnail to view larger image. Firebowl design © 2007-2009, 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.

 

Font O' Fire Water Feature at the Glenn Hotel

The Slim Base Font O' Fire makes a dramatic addition to water features and has been used for fountains at the Glenn Hotel in Atlanta and Rancho Las Palmas Resort, Rancho Mirage CA.

 

Font O' Fire: Style and Size Guide
37" Pedestal 30" Pedestal 30" Slim Base 24" Slim Base
click thumbnail to view larger image. Firebowl design © 2007-2009, John T Unger

 

Font O' Fire Firebowl: Choose from two sizes + styles
	37 inch Font O' Fire pedestal model: $999 with shipping* 37" in diameter, 15" high, bowl is 8" deep
	30 inch Font O' Fire pedestal model: $749 with shipping* 30" in diameter, 15" high, bowl is 6" deep
	30 inch Font O' Fire Slim Base: $649 with shipping* 30" in diameter, 11" high, bowl is 6" deep
	24 inch Font O' Fire Slim Base: $499 with shipping* 24" in diameter, 10" high, bowl is 6" deep
	The Great Font 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 Great Bowl 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.
	*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.