Unlocking Celestial Realms Through Intuitive Pottery
A quiet transformation is taking place inside a Greenwich Village sanctuary, where New York-based artist Ellen Colcord is turning heads in the contemporary art scene with her latest series, “Army of Beings.” This evocative collection bridges ancient ceramic traditions with the boundless realms of human spirituality.
Spontaneous Meditation in Practice
Striking a delicate balance between modern design and ancient aesthetics, Colcord’s sculptures carry profound emotional and symbolic weight. Rather than relying on rigid blueprints, she employs a rapid, intuitive method known as “spontaneous meditation,” which values swift creation over careful planning.
In this workflow, the earth itself acts as a willing collaborator. Because the material preserves the “memory of touch,” fleeting moments of subconscious awareness are captured with striking honesty. Rather than viewing her creations as static objects, Colcord treats them as independent “visitors” that she simultaneously directs and accompanies.
An Evolution Rooted in Divinity
Colcord’s transition into spiritual sculpting began in 1988, when she stepped away from a thriving career at a New York design firm to fully commit to fine art. This pivotal choice fueled a rich global and academic pursuit:
- Italian Inspiration: During her time in Siena, Italy, she examined the 13th-century creations of master Duccio di Buoninsegna, finding fascination in his use of the spiritual “golden sphere.” She further honed her craft at the Academia di Belle Arte in Urbino.
- Academic Foundations: Her formal background includes a Master’s in Studio Art from New York University alongside a Master’s in Art and Religion from Yale University Divinity School.
Even though she explores diverse mediums like collage, cinema, and publishing, clay stays at the heart of her visceral output. The “Army of Beings” collection stands as a powerful testament to the quest for the sacred, offering tangible portals to heavenly dimensions.