John T. Unger First To Scorch Market With Blazing Bowls Of Fire

Brilliant Original Design from 100% Recycled Materials Creates Flaming Art Showpieces

From the creative mind of one of this century’s greatest artists and metalworkers comes a work of art that combines the ferocity of flame with the mythos of metal. John T. Unger Artisanal Firebowls are inspiring works of art handcrafted of 100% recycled steel. The fusion of form and function melds seamlessly as the curves and lines of each firebowl showcases its originality. Whether filled to the brim with crackling embers or fitted for propane or natural gas, Artisanal Firebowls make a statement. Starting at $445 and available for immediate purchase, these firebowls are turning up the heat for today’s top designers. They can be found in 43 states and 6 countries and have been commissioned by world class hospitality properties including RumFire, Waikiki Beach, HI and Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, Osoyoos, British Columbia (the last stop of the 2010 Olympic Torch).

A mix of modern and perfectly primeval design elements join to create a complete product line, capable of complementing a wide variety of design and landscape styles. From full-on 41” beasts to the petite 15” braziers, each bowl is creatively cut from hardened steel releasing the design within. Once placed, they will quickly become a permanent part of your family’s traditions. The exposed surfaces of each firebowl are reminiscent of the Earth and its natural tones and make the perfect addition to any garden space, harmonizing with and accentuating the surroundings. These firebowls are not content to rest on their flaming forces alone. Even standing in broad daylight they cast intriguing shadows on surfaces, adding a thought-provoking sculptural centerpiece to any décor.

John T. Unger is an artist who considers both functionality and permanence. “Most of my objects will last generations with little or no maintenance.” states the creator of the firebowls. “My work is intended to be useful as well as beautiful. I enjoy the practical aspect of art and feel that engineering is as critical as ingenuity in the creation of solid works of art.”

Building on the theme of organic flow and creative freedom, John T. Unger offers clients the ability to modify existing designs to help them craft their own flame-wrangling feature. Pricing for custom firebowls is based on time and materials and can vary greatly (anywhere from 50% more to 200% more than a stock design), depending on size, complexity and how difficult it is to lay out before cutting. John is also available for commission work and custom design consultations.

The complete line of John T. Unger Artisanal Firebowls is available for sale on the artist’s website, www.johntunger.com. Prices for stock firebowl designs start at $445 with the braziers starting at $399. All of the designs are compatible with wood or charcoal fires and all but the smallest designs ship ready to accept a natural gas or propane system.

About the Artist

John T. Unger is best known as an artist and designer who has been making art professionally since about 1995. Having made a full-time living as an artist since 2000, John enjoyed several professional diversions along the way. He’s been a poet and writer, a tech geek, a print and web designer, illustrator, industrial designer, musician, teacher, actor, set designer and even a paid guru. John likes to joke, “I''m the world''s most well-educated self-taught artist - I''ve learned pretty much everything I know by doing it. I work in a lot of different styles using a wide variety of materials. I find that each new medium informs all which have come before.”

John’s use of reclaimed and recycled materials highlights his commitment to sustainable art and its positive environmental impact. The success of John''s art business has had a positive impact as well on the local economy of Michigan where the artist lives. By selling his work globally and supporting local labor and businesses, the artist feels good about the fact that he can help people pay their bills at a time when larger companies are laying people off left and right. Mr. Unger is one of the larger customers for his local freight company, he is pleased to be able to pass along his savings to his clients.

John’s work has been praised in print by Craft Magazine, VenusZine, Variety Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Chicago Sun Times, The Detroit News, and others. Online reviews include Boing Boing, Neatorama, Daily Candy, Materialicious, Treehugger, Slashfood, Etsy''s Storque. HGTV''s Red Hot & Green and DIY Networks 2006 Holiday Gift Guide have featured Artisanal Firebowls, as will the forthcoming books 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse by Garth Johnson and The Daily Book of Art from Walter Foster Publishing.

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