John T. Unger

My creative mandate is "sustainable design with an edge." Just because we're good doesn't mean we have to be boring, right? I think there's a place for rock n' roll to dance with environmental responsibility in a house shakin' way. If green products are to compete in the market, they need to be sexy, sleek and chic— cooler than new.

Surprise and beauty are a good start, but I expect more and so should you. As an artist and designer, I am intensely committed to sustainable design practices and materials in the following ways:

I work primarily with recycled or re-used materials. This is the best way I know to minimize my impact on natural resources, climate and the environment. In addition, I feel that 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 and design encourages creativity in others— it's alchemical, magical, subversive, and transformative by nature. I feel that only be a good thing.

I design for permanence. Most of my objects will last generations with little or no maintenance. I try to create objects that will never go out of style by drawing from primal metaphor and classical elements of design that speak to what it means to be human and alive.

I design for functionality. 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. Where possible, I design for easy disassembly for shipping or later re-use of materials.

All sculptural firebowls are suitable for gas, wood or charcoal fires.

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge image.

Great Flaming Lotus

steel
22" H x 37" D
base = 12" D
$1,500
Additional shipping costs apply.
Please call gallery to purchase.

Meridian

steel
37" H x 37" D
base = 12" D
$1,500
Additional shipping costs apply.
Please call gallery to purchase.

 

Waves O' Fire

steel
22" H x 37" D
base = 12" D
$1,500
Additional shipping costs apply.
Please call gallery to purchase.