Why the sizes of firebowls available are limited
This article reprinted from the John T Unger Weblog. The original article can be found online:
http://www.johntunger.com/why-the-sizes-of-firebowls-available-are-limited.html
© 2008, John T Unger
Why I can't do custom sized firebowls
All of my firebowls are cut from recycled steel tanks. I do not make the bowl shape myself. The hydraulic presses used to make the bowls are machines that exert 800 tons of force and are way out of my price range. In fact, I've found very few companies in the US that have the machinery to make such large bowls from heavy steel. Here's a video that shows one of the presses in action.
Why some sizes of firebowls are often unavailable
Almost all of my art is made from recycled materials, reenvisioned to give them new life. If my job as an artist is to fill the world with "more things," I feel it's equally important that I reclaim materials from the waste stream to make space for my work. Recycling and reuse are not just a nice philosophy, they're a core part of the creative process I use to design and create.
But there's one major disadvantage to working with recycled materials— you can never count on exactly when materials will be available.
My supplies are dependent on who scraps what, when and where. The propane tanks from which I cut 30 and 41 inch sizes are much less commonly used, and so they are harder to find in any quantity. Supply has been a constant problem.
I've tried a number of ways to solve the problem but I'm still working on it
I'm currently trying to find more scrap yards where I can buy tanks in the hopes of having better supplies of the smaller and larger sizes but so far, very few have been willing to sell them. I've also looked into buying the tanks ends new, but the price of the new bowls is higher than what I charge for my art, and the companies require a minimum order of 100 pieces.
I know that it's always disappointing when you really want something and find that it's out of stock. For the past year, I've struggled with how best to handle the fact that the only size firebowl that is always available is the 37 inch size. First I made the 30 and 41 inch versions available only on my own site (removing them from all the other sites where I sell art and excluding them from wholesale accounts). Even then, they typically sold out within a week every time I got some in stock. I've tried using a waiting list, but because there's no guarantee just when I'll find more, that hasn't been the best solution. It's been frustrating for a lot of people, but I think I've finally found a solution that is both practical and fair.
You know what you want— Here's how to get it
If the 30 or 41 inch size is the only size that works for your project, the best thing to do is to sign up for my email newsletter— I'll send notice to the list whenever I get the less common sizes in stock so that subscribers have the first chance to buy them. Sales will be "first come, first served" and the email will list prices for each model and how many blanks are available in total. Sign up for the newsletter here:
Some thoughts on choosing a size
I find most people much prefer the 37 inch size to the 30 inch when seeing the firebowls in person. They're more functional. They have greater presence and drama. The 30 inch size is great for smaller spaces or specific projects where the focus is more about decor or ambiance than actually sitting around the fire.
I know that price is one reason people select the smaller size, but I can't recommend strongly enough, price should never be the primary consideration in selecting one piece of art over another. If you've already decided to invest in a work of art that will be a daily presence and a legacy for generations, make the choice based on how it makes you feel and how it fits your space.
Of course, the 41 inch firebowls are yet more dramatic than the 37 inch. If the 41 inch is what you've set your heart on, it may very well be worth the wait.
