Emerging from a quiet Greenwich Village workshop, a striking new body of ceramic work is drawing attention across the contemporary art world. Conceived by New York-based artist Ellen Colcord, the collection—titled “Army of Beings”—serves as a tangible bridge linking the primordial medium of clay with the unseen realms of human spirituality.
Intuition and the Memory of Touch
Striking a delicate balance between antique charm and contemporary design, Colcord’s mystical sculptures carry profound emotional and symbolic weight. Rather than relying on strict, premeditated blueprints, the creator employs a process known as “spontaneous meditation.” This fast, instinctive method places a premium on instant creation rather than careful planning.
In this practice, the clay acts as an active collaborator. The material preserves the “memory of touch,” capturing fleeting moments of subconscious awareness with raw sincerity. Rather than viewing her developing works as static items she simply builds, Colcord regards them as “visitors” whom she both guides and follows.
A Journey from Design to Divinity
The trajectory toward this spiritually resonant collection dates back to 1988, following a significant professional pivot when Colcord walked away from a successful position at a New York City design firm to pursue fine art full-time. That bold move initiated a wide-ranging creative and academic exploration spanning several continents:
- The Italian Influence: During her time in Siena, Italy, she examined the creations of 13th-century master Duccio di Buoninsegna, finding inspiration in the spiritual “golden sphere” visible in his pieces. She further honed her craft at the Academia di Belle Arte in Urbino.
- Faith and Form: Her academic background includes a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art from New York University, complemented by a Master’s in Art and Religion from Yale University Divinity School.
Gateways to the Sacred
While Colcord expresses her vision through multiple disciplines—such as film, collage, and books—clay continues to serve as her main vehicle for immediate, visceral communication.
As the modern art scene investigates themes of deep significance and the limits of physical media, the “Army of Beings” stands out as a noteworthy addition. These ceramic figures invite contemplative thought, acting as physical thresholds to heavenly dimensions and reflecting humanity’s timeless search for the divine.