Working out of a quiet Greenwich Village studio, New York-based artist Ellen Colcord has captured the attention of the contemporary art scene with her latest collection, “Army of Beings.” This evocative ceramic series bridges ancient traditions of working with clay and the unseen depths of human spirituality.

Spontaneous Creation and the Memory of Clay

The mystical sculptures created by Colcord blend contemporary and ancient visual elements while carrying intense emotional and symbolic weight. Rather than relying on rigid planning, she employs a fast, intuitive method known as “spontaneous meditation” that values immediate expression.

In this practice, the clay acts as a collaborative partner, preserving the “memory of touch” and faithfully recording fleeting moments of subconscious awareness. Rather than viewing her finished works as static items she simply builds, Colcord approaches them as “visitors” whom she simultaneously leads and follows.

Tracing an Artistic and Spiritual Evolution

This spiritual body of work has roots in a significant 1988 career change, when Colcord walked away from a successful New York City design position to focus on fine art. That pivotal choice launched a far-reaching creative and academic journey spanning several continents:

• Discovering Italian Masters: During a stay in Siena, Italy, she examined the 13th-century works of Duccio di Buoninsegna, finding inspiration in the spiritual “golden sphere” motif. She additionally 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 Sacred Dimensions

While Colcord explores multiple disciplines—such as books, film, and collage—clay continues to serve as her primary medium for visceral, unmediated expression.

As the contemporary art world investigates questions of profound meaning and material boundaries, the “Army of Beings” stands out as a meaningful achievement. These ceramic figures invite quiet contemplation, acting as tangible portals to heavenly realms and reflecting humanity’s timeless search for the sacred.