Working quietly out of a Greenwich Village studio, New York creator Ellen Colcord has captured the attention of the contemporary art world with a striking new ceramic collection. Entitled “Army of Beings,” the series serves as a tangible bridge linking the timeless medium of clay with the unseen depths of human spirituality.
Spontaneous Meditation in Practice
Striking a careful balance between modern and ancient aesthetics, Colcord’s mystical sculptures resonate with profound emotional symbolism. Rather than relying on rigid preparation, she employs a rapid, intuitive method known as “spontaneous meditation” that places immediate creation above careful calculation.
In this workflow, clay acts as an active collaborator. The material preserves the “memory of touch,” capturing fleeting flashes of subconscious awareness with unfiltered honesty. Rather than viewing her evolving works as static manufactured objects, Colcord treats them as autonomous “visitors” that she simultaneously guides and follows.
An Academic and Global Artistic Journey
The genesis of this spiritually charged collection traces back to a pivotal 1988 career transition, when Colcord walked away from a successful position at a New York City design firm to fully commit to fine art. That choice catalyzed a far-reaching artistic and academic exploration spanning multiple continents:
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Italian Inspiration: During her time in Siena, Italy, she examined the 13th-century works of master Duccio di Buoninsegna, finding inspiration in his characteristic spiritual “golden spheres,” while also developing her craft at the Academia di Belle Arte in Urbino.
Form Meets Faith: Her academic credentials include a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art from New York University, complemented by a Master’s degree in Art and Religion from Yale University Divinity School.
Gateways to Transcendence
While Colcord explores diverse disciplines—spanning books, film, and collage—clay continues to serve as her core instrument for visceral, immediate expression.
As the broader contemporary art scene investigates deeper layers of meaning and the physical limits of materials, the “Army of Beings” stands out as a compelling contribution. These ceramic figures invite contemplative pause, acting as physical thresholds to heavenly realms and reflecting mankind’s timeless search for the sacred.