Working from a quiet Greenwich Village studio, New York-based creator Ellen Colcord has captured the attention of the contemporary art scene with her latest collection, “Army of Beings.” This compelling series of ceramic sculptures uses the ancient medium of clay to bridge the gap between tangible forms and intangible human spirituality.

Intuitive Creation and the Memory of Touch

Striking a careful balance between historical echoes and contemporary aesthetics, Colcord’s mystical sculptures carry profound symbolic and emotional weight. Rather than relying on strict premeditation, she employs a rapid, intuitive practice known as “spontaneous meditation” that favors immediate execution over careful planning.

In this creative framework, the clay acts as an active collaborator. The material preserves the “memory of touch,” capturing fleeting moments of subconscious thought with raw honesty. Instead of viewing her evolving creations as rigid objects she builds alone, Colcord regards them as “visitors” whom she simultaneously guides and follows.

A Transformed Career Path Rooted in Academia

The foundation for this spiritually focused collection was laid in 1988, when Colcord walked away from a successful career at a New York City design firm to pursue fine art full-time. This pivotal choice initiated a rich artistic and academic exploration spanning multiple global locations:

• Studies in Siena: Stationed 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.
• Academic Degrees: Her formal background includes a Master’s degree in Studio Art from New York University alongside a Master’s in Art and Religion from Yale University Divinity School.

Clay as a Gateway to the Divine

While Colcord expresses her vision across diverse mediums such as film, collage, and books, clay serves as her central vehicle for visceral, direct communication.

As the contemporary art world continually investigates themes of deep meaning and material boundaries, the “Army of Beings” stands out as a meaningful addition. These clay figures invite quiet contemplation, acting as physical thresholds to heavenly realms and reflecting humanity’s timeless search for the sacred.