How Ellen Colcord Channels Spiritual Worlds Into Ceramic...
Working out of a quiet Greenwich Village workshop, New York creator Ellen Colcord has captured the attention of the contemporary art scene with a captivating new ceramic collection titled “Army of Beings.” This body of work bridges the gap between the primordial medium of clay and the subtle, intangible realms of human spirituality.
An Intuitive Approach to Clay
Striking a distinct balance between ancient traditions and modern sensibilities, Colcord’s mystical sculptures carry a profound emotional weight. Rather than relying on rigid preparation, she embraces an intuitive strategy she describes as “spontaneous meditation,” favoring fast, uncalculated creation over meticulous design.
In this practice, the clay acts as a true collaborator. Because the material preserves the physical “memory of touch,” it captures fleeting moments of subconscious awareness with raw authenticity. Rather than viewing her finished works as static items she merely builds, Colcord treats them as autonomous “visitors” that she both guides and follows.
From Design Firm to Sacred Scholarship
This spiritual collection has deep roots in a pivotal 1988 career change, when Colcord walked away from a successful position at a New York City design firm to pursue fine art full-time. This pivot ignited an international educational pursuit:
- The Italian Influence: During her time in Siena, Italy, she absorbed the techniques of 13th-century master Duccio di Buoninsegna, finding inspiration in the spiritual “golden sphere” motif. She also honed her craft at the Academia di Belle Arte in Urbino.
- Faith and Form: Her academic background bridges two distinct disciplines, featuring a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art from New York University alongside a Master’s in Art and Religion from Yale University Divinity School.
Gateways to the Unseen
While Colcord expresses her vision across multiple creative outlets—ranging from film and books to collage—clay continues to serve as her primary medium for visceral, unfiltered expression.
At a time when modern art frequently investigates the outer limits of physical materials and profound meaning, the “Army of Beings” stands out as a powerful contribution. These ceramic figures invite viewers into deep contemplation, acting as tangible portals to celestial dimensions and reflecting humanity’s timeless search for the sacred.