Phoenix (Geomet Series #154) by Cordell Taylor is a geometric abstraction that captures the essence of emergence and transformation.

Composed of interlocking steel forms, the sculpture suggests a phoenix rising, with wings implied through the tension of three leg-like elements that penetrate and anchor into four merging blocks. The result is both grounded and ascending, creating a balance of weight and lift that invites interpretation through structure rather than literal form.

Fabricated from steel and finished with a sandblasted, rusted patina, the work emphasizes material honesty and industrial strength. Taylor’s background as an ironworker and fabricator is evident in the precision and integrity of the construction. Each joint and plane contributes to a unified, architectural presence. The surface carries both texture and time, reinforcing themes of endurance and renewal.

Taylor’s broader body of work explores abstraction through geometry, often drawing from natural and symbolic forms while maintaining a disciplined, structural approach. His sculptures invite viewers to engage both intellectually and visually, discovering movement, meaning, and narrative within simplified, industrial materials.

After beginning his career in the oilfields as a professional ironworker, Taylor returned to Utah to earn his BFA from the University of Utah. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with recognition from organizations including the National Sculpture Society and the National Endowment for the Arts. His sculptures are held in major collections such as the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank, Wells Fargo, and AT&T. In addition to his studio practice, he has served in leadership roles supporting the arts community, including work with the Utah Arts Council.