Ellen Colcord Channels Unseen Realms Into Ceramic Art

A quiet studio in Greenwich Village has become the birthplace of a captivating new ceramic collection that is drawing attention across the contemporary art scene. Titled “Army of Beings,” the series is the creation of New York-based artist Ellen Colcord, who uses traditional clay to explore the invisible dimensions of human spirituality.

Intuitive Creation and the Memory of Touch

Bridging ancient traditions with modern sensitivities, Colcord’s sculptures carry profound emotional weight. Rather than relying on rigid planning, she employs a rapid, instinctive technique she refers to as “spontaneous meditation.”

In this workflow, the clay acts as an active collaborator, capturing the raw honesty of fleeting subconscious moments through what she calls the “memory of touch.” Instead of viewing her creations as static objects she builds alone, Colcord treats the evolving pieces as “visitors” that she simultaneously guides and follows.

From Corporate Design to Sacred Art

The foundation for this spiritually driven body of work was laid in 1988, when Colcord walked away from a successful career at a New York City design firm to fully commit to fine art. That pivotal change set off a diverse academic and creative exploration spanning multiple continents:

• European Roots: Her time in Siena, Italy, included deep study of 13th-century master Duccio di Buoninsegna, where she was inspired by the spiritual “golden sphere” found in his art. She further honed her craft at the Academia di Belle Arte in Urbino.
• Advanced Degrees: 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 Heavenly Dimensions

While Colcord works across multiple mediums—such as film, collage, and books—clay continues to serve as her principal instrument for immediate, visceral expression.

At a time when modern art frequently investigates profound meaning and material boundaries, the “Army of Beings” stands out as a meaningful achievement. These striking clay figures invite viewers into contemplation, acting as tangible portals to heavenly dimensions and reflecting humanity’s perpetual search for the sacred.