Briar Solstice

A luminous yellow orb dominates the upper field of Briar Solstice, suspended against a soft matte ground with the quiet authority of a solstice sun at its peak. From beneath it, a wild tracery of black botanical forms reaches upward — thorned stems and arching branches rendered with the spontaneous precision of brushwork, as though drawn in a single unbroken gesture. Two smaller orbital marks punctuate the composition: a deep plum circle hovering at mid-body, an amber-orange disk glowing near the base. Against the blackened interior and foot, the pale surface reads almost as sky — warmth and darkness held in careful, deliberate equilibrium.
This work belongs to the JeanElton SailVase Collection, defined by its asymmetric sail-like silhouette — broad and sweeping at the open rim, tapering to a compact footed base. The angled upper edge rises sharply on one side and descends on the other, giving the form its characteristic sense of captured movement, as though the vessel has caught a wind and holds it still. The surface treatment follows this energy: the solar orb claims the high field, the botanical forms arc freely across the body, and the three orbiting circles — each distinct in scale and hue — create a constellation of visual anchors that rewards close attention.
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.