Emerging from a serene Greenwich Village studio, a striking new collection of ceramic works is capturing the attention of the modern art scene. Conceived by New York creator Ellen Colcord, the portfolio—titled “Army of Beings”—serves as a tangible link uniting the ancient craft of working with earth and the elusive dimensions of human spirituality.
Spontaneous Creation and Materiality
The mystical sculptures crafted by Colcord merge historical and contemporary styles, carrying profound symbolic weight. Rather than relying on rigid preparation, the creator employs a practice known as “spontaneous meditation,” favoring a rapid, intuitive workflow over careful drafting.
In this practice, the clay acts as a collaborative force, preserving the “memory of touch” and capturing fleeting moments of subconscious awareness with raw authenticity. Colcord regards her developing forms not merely as inanimate constructs, but as sentient “visitors” that she simultaneously steers and accompanies.
An Artistic and Theological Evolution
The journey toward this spiritually charged collection kicked off in 1988 with a significant professional pivot, when Colcord departed a successful post at a New York City design agency to pursue fine art full-time. This choice initiated a rich creative and academic exploration spanning several international locations:
- Italian Inspiration: Stationed in Siena, Italy, she examined the creations of 13th-century master Duccio di Buoninsegna, finding cues 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’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 the Transcendent
While Colcord explores diverse disciplines such as film, collage, and book arts, clay stands out as her principal vehicle for immediate, visceral storytelling.
As the broader contemporary art sphere investigates deeper existential inquiries and the limits of tactile mediums, the “Army of Beings” stands as a notable addition. These ceramic creations invite profound contemplation, acting as physical thresholds to heavenly realms and reflecting humanity’s timeless pursuit of the divine.