Artisanal Firebowls: Sculptural Fine Art Reborn from the Ashes of Industry
"Who would have thought that a bowl of fire could be so beautiful? Artist John Unger’s art portfolio ranges from bottle-cap mosaics to furniture, but he is perhaps best known for his amazing fire bowls. Hand-cut out of recycled steel, these bowls combine sculpture and function to create unique works of art with industrial flair that provide warmth and an exciting centerpiece for events. When in use, the flame-like edges of these bowls cast mesmerizing shadows that dance across the ground, acting as part of the art." — The Daily Book of Art, from Walter Foster Publishing
Click images to learn more or to shop my most popular firebowl designs.
To see all Artisanal Firebowl designs and sizes, scroll down or Click here.
If my job as an artist is to fill the world with "more things," I feel it is equally important that I reclaim materials from the waste stream to make space for my work. — John T. Unger I believe creative re-use has the potential to spark new ways of looking at the world… if one thing can be turned into another, what else can we change? Successful recycled art encourages creativity in others— it’s alchemical, magical, subversive, and transformative by nature. Read more. Explore some of my other popular recycled artwork, sculpture and projects. I breathe new life into the atoms of the abandoned, engaging my audience to be more imaginative in their own daily lives and to think more creatively about the world around them. The series linked to below are some of the most popular artwork I've done, but you can find nearly all the artwork I've done over the last two decades by using the menu at the top of page as well. Fire Imp Sculptures Face of Spades Masks Bottle Cap Mosaics Container Studio
The Great Bowl O' Fire reveals the poetry which inspires all of my firebowls— Using a torch to cut flame images into a flammable gas storage tank to create a firebowl is a perfect example of how I like materials and ideas to work together. The meaning of the finished object is encoded in it‘s raw materials. That kind of layered metaphor is what I enjoy most about working with recycled materials. On every Great Bowl O' Fire I cut, there is a stylized flame in the shape of a phoenix rising through the embers to symbolize the rebirth of scrap steel into something new and wonderful. The phoenix is always the first flame I cut into the bowl, the beginning of it's transformation. From the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago to the Iron Horse Biker Church of Axtell Texas, my sculptural firebowls have been commissioned by a number of churches of different faiths, who apply their own meanings to the work in their Liturgies and services.
Fine Art Sculpture with a Purpose: A Duality of Function + Form
Each is a unique sculptural work, made to order by artist John T. Unger. Signed on engraved stainless steel plate. A signed and numbered Certificate of Authenticity is mailed separately. Artisanal Firebowls function as gorgeous sculptural artwork even when unlit. In sunlight, the designs cast intriguing shadows both inside and outside the bowl. When lit, the bowls cast flickering shadows as lively as the fire within. The rich tones of the natural patina evoke the colors of a warm blaze.	Dynasty Guarantee: Artisanal Firebowls will last generations. Available in modern and ornate designs to enhance any setting. Artisanal Firebowls are handcrafted from 100% recycled steel. Center hole allows water to drain Price includes shipping for US orders (lower 48 states) and Canada. International Orders see FAQ here. Can be converted to clean-burning propane or natural gas to minimize emissions and risk of accidental fire.
Artisanal Firebowls have been featured in HGTV's Red Hot & Green and DIY Network 2006 Holiday Gift Guide and the books 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse and The Daily Book of Art. They have been praised in print by Craft Magazine, VenusZine, Variety Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, The Chicago Sun Times, Detroit News, and more. Online reviews include Boing Boing, Neatorama, Daily Candy, Materialicious, Treehugger, Slashfood, Etsy's Storque and hundreds more.
The Artisanal Firebowl Dynasty Guarantee
I offer a Lifetime Guarantee on the Firebird Grill, Blaze O' Glory Brazier, Waves O' Glory brazier and Beach Burner Portable Bonfire. I offer a Dynasty Guarantee on all other Artisanal Firebowls, meaning they will last many lifetimes. My Artisanal Firebowls are basically indestructible, but may arrive with some marks or scratches due to the fact that they are made from recycled materials. These scratches are considered to add history and character rather than being a defect. When people ask how long they will last, I like to say that I can't guarantee them longer than 500-1000 years. The thickness and quality of the steel insures that they will last many generations. I believe in backing quality craftsmanship with attention to detail and integrity. Since 2005 when I first created the Great Bowl O' Fire, I've shipped hundreds of my firebowls all over the world and I have never had a single art buyer who wasn't ecstatic with their purchase. My firebowls can be found in 44 of the 50 states and 7 countries. They have been commissioned by world class hospitality properties including RumFire, at the Sheraton Waikiki and Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa in Osoyoos, British Columbia (the last stop of the 2010 Olympic Torch).

The Great Bowl O' Fire
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. 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. Click here to learn more
	41" Diameter Great Bowl O' Fire: $1499.00  with shipping* 26" high overall, bowl is 22" deep, base is 15" in diameter
	37" Diameter Great Bowl O' Fire: $1249 with shipping* 22" high overall, bowl is 18" deep, base is 12" in diameter
	30" Diameter Great Bowl O' Fire: $999 with shipping* 19" high overall, bowl is 15" deep, base is 11" in diameter
	The Great Bowl O' Fire is suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.

Fiery Fleur-de-Lis Firebowl
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. Click here to learn more
	41" Diameter Fiery Fleur-de-Lis: $1499 with shipping* 26" high overall, bowl is 22" deep, base is 15" in diameter
	37" Diameter Fiery Fleur-de-Lis: $1249 with shipping* 22" high overall, bowl is 18" deep, base is 12" in diameter
	The Fiery Fleur-de-Lis is suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.

Sunfire Modern Steel Firebowl
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. Click here to learn more
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 is suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.

Waves O' Fire Firebowl
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. Click here to learn more
	41" Diameter Waves O' Fire: $1249 with shipping* 20 " high overall, bowl is 19" deep, base is 12" in diameter
	37" Diameter Waves O' Fire: $999 with shipping* 22" high overall, bowl is 18" deep, base is 12" in diameter
	30" Diameter Waves O' Fire: $749 with shipping* 19" high overall, bowl is 15" deep, base is 11" in diameter
	The Waves O' Fire is suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.

The Big Bowl O' Zen Firebowl
A perfect hemisphere of heavy duty steel on a slim, nearly hidden base, the Big Bowl O' Zen makes a statement without speaking loudly. Graceful, serene, modern yet classical. The Big Bowl O Zen holds it's own council while inviting you to peer deeply into the fire and contemplate the spheres of existence. Click here to learn more
	41" Diameter Big Bowl O' Zen: $1249 with shipping* 20" high overall, bowl is 19" 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.

The King Isosceles Firebowl
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. Click here to learn more
	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.

The Font O' Fire Firebowl
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. There are 2 styles as shown below, pedestal and slim base. 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. Click here to learn more
Font O' Fire: Style and Size Guide 37" Pedestal 30" Pedestal 30" Slim Base 24" Slim Base
	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 Font O' Fire is suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.

The Beach Burner Portable Bonfire
The Beach Burner Portable Bonfire makes bonfires at the beach easy and keeps your sand clean of ash and coals. If you hook it up to a gas burner, you can have instant fire that will last all evening on a 20 lb propane tank. The Beach Burner Has been featured in Craft Magazine and was voted Ruler of the Earth (-Friendly Items) on Etsy's blog, The Storque. Click here to learn more
	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
	The Beach Burner is suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires. Gas burner installation instructions are here.

Isosceles Modern Steel FirePit
A simple, modern styled firepit made from 100% recycled steel. The Isosceles Modern holds a good-sized fire, with gas or wood, and the triangular points of the bowl are a perfect complement to the shapes of the flames themselves. Click here to learn more
	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.

The Great Flaming Lotus Firebowl
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. Click here to learn more
	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.

Blaze O' Glory Brazier
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. Click here to learn more
	36" tall Blaze O' Glory Brazier: $399 with shipping* bowl is 14.5" in diameter and 12" deep, base is 17" diameter.
	The Blaze O' Glory is suitable for wood, charcoal or gel fuel fires.

Waves O' Glory Brazier
The Waves O' Glory Brazier is based on a commission I did for The Episcopal Canterbury Fellowship at Mississippi State University. 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. Click here to learn more
	36" tall Brazier: $399 with shipping* bowl is 14.5" in diameter and 12" deep, base is 17" diameter.
	The Waves O' Glory is suitable for wood, charcoal or gel fuel fires.

Firebird Grill
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. Click here to learn more
	Firebird Portable Grill, unpainted: $129 with shipping* 12" diameter, 7-8" high.
	The Firebird Grill is suitable for wood, charcoal or gel fuel fires.

The Goblet O' Fire
The Goblet O' Fire is hand-cut 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. Click here to learn more
	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.