The Meta Towers
The Meta Towers
Dimensions: Approx. 9 feet tall x 18 inches wide x 2 feet deep (each tower)
Weight: Approx. 100 lbs per tower
Materials Used: Upcycled glass (dulled for safety), steel framework, UV resin, epoxy resin, LED lighting elements (optional), concrete base
Installation Requirements: Flat, stable surface capable of supporting the sculpture’s weight
Concrete footing or anchor points for secure installation
Access to electrical source if LED lighting is included
$20,000
The Meta Towers is a vibrant upcycled glass sculpture that embodies themes of self-reference, transformation, and the celebration of imperfections. The term "Meta," meaning "to refer to itself," inspired this dual tower design, reflecting the concept of art that examines its own nature. Constructed from reclaimed glass items—vases, glasses, plates—sourced from local thrift stores, the sculpture breathes new life into broken materials, symbolizing personal and artistic growth through the acceptance and celebration of flaws. The rainbow "chakra" coloring was inspired by a community yoga instructor's invitation to display the sculpture, aligning with the holistic themes of balance and energy. By transforming discarded glass into a cohesive, illuminated structure, The Meta Towers invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys of self-acceptance and the beauty found within imperfections.
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"I create sculpture as a form of rebellion, remembrance, and reconstruction—transforming discarded objects into bold public art that honors the beauty in what others overlook. My practice is rooted in upcycling, intuition, and community interaction. Whether I'm gluing together shards of broken glass or building life-sized figures from spoons and coffee bags, my work challenges the narrative that only polished, perfect things are valuable.
I believe deeply in the absurd, specifically in the idea that meaning can emerge from chaos. In my installations, I use materials society deems dangerous, useless, or trivial… pop tabs, corks, forks, shattered bottles… and ask viewers to see them anew. Sculptures like Hugh McManaway and MoonMan reflect this playful defiance, transforming waste into whimsical tributes to individuality and imagination. Pollinator Paradise, Tree of Every Color, and Glass Plants carry this same philosophy into more symbolic, nature-inspired forms, celebrating resilience, transformation, and sustainability.
My work invites risk, wonder, and reflection. It is not just about art—it’s about encouraging people to reimagine what’s possible, both materially and personally. We are all creative. We are all in some stage of breaking and remaking. My sculptures offer a mirror to that truth, and a colorful invitation to participate in the transformation."
Katlyn Cornelius, known as TuxedoKat is a Concord-based sculptor and installation artist known for transforming everyday discarded objects into immersive public artworks. Since transitioning to full-time artmaking during the COVID-19 pandemic, she has exhibited widely across the Southeast and been selected for numerous festivals, residencies, and public art commissions. Her pieces often incorporate unconventional materials like broken glass, aluminum cans, pop tabs, corks, coffee bags, and thrifted finds, challenging traditional ideas of value and permanence.
Her notable works include MoonMan (2024), a reflective, towering figure made from upcycled pop tabs and steel; Hugh McManaway (2022), a life-sized interactive sculpture built from forks, spoons, and recycled aluminum; Pollinator Paradise (2024), a giant coneflower made from amber glass and steel; Tree of Every Color (2024), a vibrant collaborative installation incorporating community contributions; and her ongoing series of Glass Plants, which reimagine broken liquor bottles and vintage glass into delicate, abstract botanicals.
Having traveled internationally and drawn inspiration from a global perspective, TuxedoKat brings a deeply human and hopeful lens to her creative work. Her practice blends absurdist philosophy, environmental consciousness, and a profound belief in collective creativity. Whether working solo or collaboratively, her goal remains the same: to make art that transforms, not just objects, but the people who encounter them.
@tuxedokat.imaginarium