Joseph O’Connell launched Creative Machines from his garage over two decades ago with a mission: Create objects and environments that encourage creativity, support social interaction, and inspire confidence. Since then, the Tucson-based design and fabrication firm has ballooned in size and scope, creating and installing over 100 public artworks for clients on seven continents.

Today, Creative Machines is famed for its interactive exhibitions, kinetic sculptures, light installations, and a commitment to community engagement. They even test their projects by having everyone from schoolchildren to retired engineers “play with the art and call out the BS” before anything leaves the studio.

We sat down with Joseph O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Creative Machines, to talk about the economics of public art, his new nonprofit playground in Tucson, and his studio’s entry in our summer exhibition, 250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S.

Contacts & Socials

Website: https://www.creativemachines.com

Instagram: @creativemachines

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-machines

Episode Credits

Host: Scott “Sourdough” Power

Guest: Joseph O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Creative Machines, featured artist in 250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S.

Production: Crewest Studio, Los Angeles

Theme Music: Ricky Peugeot & Desi DeLauro of Parlor Social

Stay in the Loop: Subscribe to NOT REAL ART, and follow us on Instagram for more coverage of the 250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S.