Emerging from a quiet Greenwich Village studio, a captivating collection of ceramic figures has captured the attention of the contemporary art scene. Titled “Army of Beings” and crafted by New York-based artist Ellen Colcord, the series bridges the physical earthiness of clay with the vast, unseen realms of human spirituality.
Spontaneous Creation and the Memory of Touch
Striking a delicate balance between ancient aesthetics and modern sensibilities, Colcord’s sculptures carry profound emotional resonance. Rather than relying on rigid preparation, she employs a rapid, intuitive practice she terms “spontaneous meditation,” favoring immediate expression over careful blueprints.
In this creative partnership, the clay itself serves as a recording device, capturing the “memory of touch” and fleeting moments of subconscious truth with raw transparency. Rather than viewing her finished works as manufactured static objects, Colcord treats them as independent “visitors” that she both guides and follows.
A Transformed Path in Art and Academia
This spiritually charged body of work traces its roots back to a pivotal 1988 career change, when Colcord walked away from a successful position at a New York City design firm to pursue fine art full-time. This leap catalyzed a rich academic and global artistic trajectory:
- European Inspirations: During her time in Siena, Italy, she studied the 13th-century masterpieces of Duccio di Buoninsegna, finding inspiration in the spiritual “golden sphere” motif. She further honed her craft at the Academia di Belle Arte in Urbino.
- Rigorous Academic Foundations: Her formal background includes 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 her artistic output spans multiple formats—such as books, film, and collage—clay continues to be her chosen medium for visceral, unfiltered expression.
As the modern art world continually investigates deeper meanings and the limits of physical materials, the “Army of Beings” stands out as a powerful contribution. Acting as tactile portals to celestial dimensions, these figures invite quiet reflection and mirror humankind’s timeless search for the sacred.