SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — In the exclusive Desert Mountain community, a custom fireplace installation is captivating residents by masterfully blending abstract art with precision engineering. The "Rings of Fire," a one-of-a-kind sculpture by Eric Tolbert of Phoenix Fire Art, redefines the modern hearth as a dynamic, living installation.

The feature, pictured in a local residence, is a complex sculpture of iron rings measuring 22 inches tall by 33 inches wide and deep. At first glance, the 1.5-inch-thick rings appear to be randomly placed, creating an organic, free-flowing sculpture. This, however, is a deliberate optical illusion.

According to Tolbert, each ring is placed with scientific precision to interact with the flames, ensuring proper drafting to prevent soot or gas spillage. This meticulous design allows the fire to become part of the art.

"The custom natural gas burner is made to weave the flames and have them dance around the rings," Tolbert explains, "like a symphony of fire playing in an orchestra of art."

This illusion is further enhanced by a clever engineering feat. As the iron rings heat up, they create a thermal boundary that forces the flames to stay contained within a circle—a "ring of fire" that cannot be visually ascertained due to the sculpture's seemingly random layout.

The entire piece sits within a custom-built burner pan, which holds reflective fire glass media. This pan also cleverly houses the gas pilot valve and vital electronics, all accessible through a hidden access panel just beneath the glass.

The result is a beautifully crafted fire feature that is both a site to behold and a testament to technical artistry, serving as a perfect focal point and a stunning background piece for any occasion.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A homeowner in the exclusive Desert Mountain - Apache Peak community has resolved a significant fireplace safety issue, not with a costly renovation, but with a custom-engineered art feature. The "Desert Mtn Golf" installation, created by Eric Tolbert of Phoenix Fire Art, was meticulously designed to correct a pre-existing see-through fireplace that was dangerously spilling combustible gas fumes into two adjacent rooms.

The original fireplace suffered from severe drafting problems, which, combined with a "slow crawl" burner ignition, allowed unburnt gas to pool and escape. The resulting flames were minimal and inefficient.

Tolbert’s solution is a 60-inch-long art feature that corrects the hazardous airflow. The installation, pictured here, boasts a creatively engineered design that draws room air in a specific way, forcing combusted gas and heat to the center. As the inside of the offset vertical flat bars heat up, they maintain a strong central draft, pulling the flames upward. This not only solves the drafting and gas spillage problem but also creates the taller, more visually dramatic flames the homeowner desired.

This deliberate design also forces a quicker, more complete combustion at the existing burner, eliminating the dangerous slow-ignition problem. Furthermore, the offsetting of the flat bars generates more efficient outward room heating.

Aesthetically, the feature pays homage to its location. The steel flat bars are cut to invoke the iconic look of the desert mountain peaks and landscape that form the community’s backdrop.

The piece also includes two custom-made 8-inch stainless steel polished chain spheres, a unique design take on golf balls. These spheres, visible in the foreground, are see-through, movable, and can be placed directly over the flames with minimal impingement, allowing the owner to customize the look.

The "Desert Mtn Golf" feature was ingeniously crafted to fit inside the existing fireplace, integrating perfectly with the original electronic gas pilot valve system, burner, and fire glass media. Through Tolbert's engineering, the piece is an original show-stopper that elevates elegance by enhancing the delivery of efficient, safe, and practical function.