Operating out of a quiet Greenwich Village studio, New York-based creator Ellen Colcord has captured the attention of the contemporary art world with a striking new ceramic collection. Titled “Army of Beings,” the series serves as a visual bridge connecting the ancient art of working with clay to the invisible depths of human spirituality.

Spontaneous Meditation and the Memory of Touch

The mystical sculptures achieve a careful balance of modern and ancient aesthetics, resonating with deep emotion and symbolism. Eschewing strict preliminary planning, Colcord relies on a swift, intuitive process she calls “spontaneous meditation.”

In this approach, the clay acts as a direct collaborator, preserving the “memory of touch” and capturing fleeting moments of subconscious insight with raw honesty. Rather than viewing the evolving pieces as static objects she constructs, Colcord treats them as “visitors” that she simultaneously guides and follows.

A Journey from Design to Divinity

This spiritual body of work has roots in a significant 1988 career transition, when Colcord walked away from a successful position at a New York City design firm to pursue fine art full-time. That pivot sparked a multi-continent academic and creative exploration:

• Italian Inspiration: While living in Siena, Italy, she studied the 13th-century master Duccio di Buoninsegna, finding inspiration in the spiritual “golden sphere” motif within his pieces. She also 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 in Art and Religion from Yale University Divinity School.

Gateways to Heavenly Dimensions

While her artistic practice spans multiple mediums—such as film, collage, and books—clay continues to be her fundamental medium for visceral, direct expression.

As the contemporary art sphere investigates profound meaning and material boundaries, the “Army of Beings” stands out as a meaningful addition. These clay creations invite deep contemplation, acting as physical portals to heavenly dimensions while reflecting humanity’s timeless search for the sacred.