Tracing the Spiritual Roots of Ellen Colcord’s Clay...

Emerging from a quiet Greenwich Village studio, a striking new ceramic collection called “Army of Beings” is capturing attention in the contemporary art world. Created by New York-based artist Ellen Colcord, these mystical sculptures forge a visual link between the ancient art of working with clay and the unseen realms of human spirituality.

From Corporate Design to Fine Art

The foundation for this spiritually driven body of work was laid in 1988, when Colcord walked away from a successful position at a New York City design firm to pursue fine art full-time. That pivotal choice initiated a profound academic and creative exploration spanning multiple continents:

• The Italian Influence: During her time in Siena, Italy, she examined the 13th-century works of master Duccio di Buoninsegna, finding inspiration in his use of the spiritual “golden sphere.” She further honed her craft at the Academia di Belle Arte in Urbino.
• Faith and Form: Her academic background includes a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art from New York University, alongside a Master’s degree in Art and Religion from Yale University Divinity School.

Intuitive Creation and the “Memory of Touch”

Striking a delicate balance between antique and contemporary aesthetics, Colcord’s sculptures carry significant emotional and symbolic weight. Rather than relying on rigid premeditation, she practices what she describes as “spontaneous meditation”—an intuitive, fast-paced method that values immediate creation over detailed planning.

In this process, clay acts as an active collaborator. The material preserves the “memory of touch,” capturing fleeting moments of subconscious realization with raw honesty. Instead of viewing her finished pieces as static objects she builds, Colcord considers them “visitors” that she simultaneously guides and follows.

Gateways to the Divine

While Colcord explores diverse mediums such as film, collage, and books, clay serves as her essential instrument for visceral, direct expression.

As the contemporary art scene investigates questions of deep meaning and material boundaries, the “Army of Beings” stands out as a meaningful contribution. Functioning as physical portals to heavenly dimensions, these clay figures invite profound reflection while mirroring humanity’s timeless pursuit of the sacred.