Emerging from a quiet Greenwich Village studio, a captivating collection of ceramic figures has captured the attention of the contemporary art world. Created by New York artist Ellen Colcord, the series titled “Army of Beings” bridges the ancient materiality of clay with the vast realms of human spirituality.
Spontaneous Creation and Intuitive Form
Striking a powerful balance between ancient influences and contemporary sensibilities, Colcord’s mystical sculptures carry profound symbolic and emotional weight. Sidestepping rigorous upfront planning, the creator relies on a rapid, intuitive practice she describes as “spontaneous meditation.”
In this workflow, clay acts as an active collaborator, capturing the physical “memory of touch” and preserving fleeting moments of subconscious awareness. Rather than treating her works merely as static objects built by hand, Colcord regards them as “visitors” that she simultaneously guides and follows.
From Corporate Design to Sacred Study
The genesis of this spiritual trajectory dates back to 1988, when Colcord walked away from a successful position at a New York City design firm to fully pursue fine art. This pivot initiated a rich academic and creative exploration spanning several regions:
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Italian Inspiration: While living in Siena, Italy, she examined the 13th-century paintings of master Duccio di Buoninsegna, finding fascination in the spiritual “golden sphere” motif. She further honed her craft at the Academia di Belle Arte in Urbino.
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 the Infinite
While Colcord explores diverse creative outlets—ranging from film and collage to artists’ books—clay stands out as her essential medium for immediate, visceral storytelling.
At a time when modern art frequently investigates deep philosophical questions and the limits of physical media, the “Army of Beings” offers a compelling voice. These earthenware figures invite quiet contemplation, functioning as tangible portals to celestial dimensions and reflecting humanity’s timeless yearning for the divine.