Buoys

Buoys is a distinctive work in the JeanElton Elliptical Bowl (EB) Collection. Its glossy interior bursts with angular, interlocking forms in deep greens, blues, and yellows—patterns that conjure the push and pull of restless water. Two striking red circles float like solitary buoys amid the turbulence, subtle yet bold signals to steady the eye.

The exterior, by contrast, is calm and unadorned—smooth and matte, providing a quiet counterpoint to the drama within. A black-and-white rim gives the impression of a maritime boundary, holding the chaos gently in place.

What sets this piece apart is the elegant elliptical form, achieved not by shaping the clay into an oval, but through a refined and controlled process in the kiln. The bowl’s underside is crafted with two small notches—seemingly minor details that, under high temperatures, subtly alter the forces of tension and gravity. The result is a graceful warping of the form that occurs with near-perfect consistency in each firing, making the elliptical shape a hallmark of the EB Collection.

The work is fired first to approximately 1800 degrees F, after which any remaining fine alterations are made, and the surface treatment is applied by hand by the artist. A second firing to about 2100 degrees F completes the process, ensuring its durability and artistic integrity.

This piece bears the JeanElton signature on its underside and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), both of which display its catalogue reference.