Unveiling the Spiritual Dimensions in Ellen Colcord’s...

Emerging from a quiet Greenwich Village workshop, a striking new body of ceramic work is capturing attention across the contemporary art scene. Conceived by New York artist Ellen Colcord, the collection—titled “Army of Beings”—bridges the ancient physical medium of clay with the ineffable realms of human spirituality.

The Method of Spontaneous Meditation

Striking a unique balance between ancient motifs and modern design, Colcord’s mystical pieces possess a profound emotional and symbolic weight. Rather than relying on strict preliminary planning, she employs a rapid, intuitive practice known as “spontaneous meditation” that values immediate creation.

In this workflow, clay serves as an active collaborator. The material preserves the “memory of touch,” capturing fleeting moments of subconscious realization with raw authenticity. Rather than viewing the resulting figures as static constructs, Colcord treats them as autonomous “visitors” whom she both guides and follows.

From Corporate Design to Sacred Art

This spiritual artistic trajectory traces back to a pivotal 1988 transition, when Colcord walked away from a successful career at a New York City design firm to fully commit to fine art. This profound change initiated a rich academic and creative exploration spanning continents:

Italian Studies: 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 also honed her craft at the Academia di Belle Arte in Urbino.
Academic Foundations: 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 Transcendence

While Colcord explores multiple disciplines—spanning collage, film, and books—clay endures as her principal medium for visceral, unmediated expression.

At a time when modern art consistently investigates deep meaning and material boundaries, the “Army of Beings” stands out as a meaningful achievement. These clay creations invite profound contemplation, functioning as tangible portals to celestial dimensions and reflecting humanity’s timeless pursuit of the sacred.