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CREATIVE MACHINES IS AN ART DESIGN AND FABRICATION STUDIO FOUNDED BY JOSEPH O'CONNELL IN 1995.

CREATIVE MACHINES
Creative Machines is a multi-disciplinary design and fabrication studio led by Joseph O’Connell. Together, O'Connell and Creative Machines have created and installed over 70 public art and other site-specific projects for clients throughout the world. With comprehensive resources under one roof, a consistency of vision extends to all aspects of a project. 

Creative Machines is a team of 28+ exceptional professionals in art, engineering, design, architecture, project management, fabrication, and installation. The 77,000 square foot workshop located in southern Arizona is devoted entirely to pushing the boundaries of art-making and interactive exhibitions through comprehensive design, prototyping, and fabrication. Creative Machines embodies a culture of collaboration, successfully completing public art projects with budgets of up to $5.6M, often working directly with design teams to seamlessly integrate artwork into new or existing landscapes.

AWARDS

CODAawards Merit Winner: Transportation, Bends Toward Justice, 2024

CODAawards Top 100, Maverick Spirit and Bends Toward Justice, 2024

 

3Form Installation Contest Winner, Chasing the Stars and Roundel, 2021

CODAawards Top 100 & 2018 Merit Award: Healthcare, Camaraderie, 2018

 

Fodor’s Ten Best New Museums in the World, MOXI, 2017

 

Best Of Arts & Entertainment, Houston Press, Best Art Installation, Wings Over Water, 2017

 

Santa Barbara Beautiful – Presidential Award, MOXI, 2017

 

Mayor’s Urban Design Awards, City Of Calgary, Chinook Arc, 2015

 

Gold Award of Excellence: Outdoor/Environmental Advertising Trade Show Exhibit from the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts, Lite-BiTE, 2015

 

Americans for the Arts 2014 Public Art Network Year in Review, Ballroom Luminoso, 2014

 

SXSW Transformative Design Award, Ballroom Luminoso, 2013

 

CODAwards Top 100, Fish Bellies & Ballroom Luminoso, 2013

 

Hot Dip Excellence in Galvanizing Award, Wondrous, 2009

PRESS​​

Plans in motion for a creative ‘community hub’ on Southside

KGUN9 | Oct. 31, 2024 | By Reyna Preciado

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Joseph O'Connell - Kinetic Sculpture installation artist

Compounding Square | Oct. 9, 2024

Tempe to Bring Vibrant New Art to Mill Ave Underpass

Signals AZ, City of Tempe | Aug. 6, 2024

Southside's hidden gem Creative Machines looking to build a community space for interactive art

KGUN9 | Nov. 28, 2023 | By Reyna Preciado

Feeling the World Push Back: A Conversation with Joseph O’Connell

Sculpture Magazine | January 4, 2023 | By Hilary Stunda

 

New public art piece completed in Lawrence

KSNT News | Sept. 28, 2022 | By Matthew Self

UArizona unveils interactive display to highlight clean energy partnership

University of Arizona | Sept. 9, 2022 | By Mikayla Mace Kelley, University Communications

Meet Joseph O’Connell, Stories & Insights
CanvasRebel | June 16, 2022​

 

Carmel Partners Showcases Public Artwork at Multifamily Communities in Oakland and D.C.

Space Coast Daily | April 13, 2022 | By Space Coast Daily


Joseph O’Connell - Artist, Innovator, Founder and Owner of Creative Machines

KXCI 91.3 Artistories Podcast | March 2, 2022

New Artist Chosen to Replace Fortoul Brothers in Valley Metro Design Project

Phoenix News Times | March 15, 2021 | By Lynn Trimble

PORTFOLIO OF PROJECTS

Creative Machines has a diverse collection of works that enrich spaces and inspire interaction. Each piece tells a unique story and reflects the artistry and craft of talented creators.

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© 2025 JOSEPH O'CONNELL

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