Emerging from a quiet Greenwich Village workshop, a captivating collection of ceramic art titled “Army of Beings” is drawing attention across the contemporary art scene. Crafted by New York-based artist Ellen Colcord, these mystical sculptures successfully bridge the physical weight of ancient earth with the intangible dimensions of human spirituality.
Intuitive Creation and the Memory of Clay
Striking a distinctive balance between modern design and timeless traditions, Colcord’s work carries profound symbolic and emotional depth. Rather than relying on rigid preparation, she employs a rapid, intuitive method known as “spontaneous meditation.” This approach favors immediate creation and raw honesty over strict advance planning.
Within this process, the clay acts as an active collaborator, capturing the “memory of touch” and preserving brief flashes of subconscious insight. Instead of viewing her finished pieces as static objects she simply builds, Colcord regards them as “visitors” that she simultaneously guides and follows.
From Corporate Design to Sacred Scholarship
This spiritual body of work has roots in a pivotal 1988 transition, when Colcord walked away from a successful position at a New York City design firm to pursue fine art full-time. That bold step initiated a comprehensive international and academic path:
- The Italian Influence: During her time in Siena, Italy, she examined the 13th-century works of master Duccio di Buoninsegna, finding inspiration in his signature spiritual “golden sphere.” She further honed her craft at the Academia di Belle Arte in Urbino.
- Faith and Form: Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Studio Art from New York University, complemented by a Master’s in Art and Religion from Yale University Divinity School.
Gateways to Transcendence
While Colcord explores multiple creative outlets—ranging from film and collage to books—clay stays her core medium for visceral, direct communication.
At a time when contemporary art frequently investigates deep meaning and material limits, the “Army of Beings” stands out as a meaningful achievement. Functioning as physical thresholds to heavenly realms, these figures invite quiet contemplation and reflect humanity’s timeless search for the sacred.