Sky Gazing — a flowing rainbow Skynet aerial sculpture by Poetic Kinetics at Burning Man

About the studio

An international studio for kinetic public art.

Poetic Kinetics is an American public art studio led by artist Patrick Shearn, with 20 years of experience.

Based in Colorado Springs, the studio creates large-scale kinetic installations — including its signature Skynet aerial sculptures — for arts councils, festivals, and cultural institutions in more than 20 countries.

At Poetic Kinetics, our mission is to inspire and engage audiences with large-scale public art installations and experiential designs that push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. With an adventurous and enthusiastic spirit, we embrace challenges with open-minded collaboration and resourceful problem-solving. Our artworks are visually striking, thought-provoking, and impactful experiences that connect people to their environment and each other, leaving a lasting impression on all those who experience our work.

Poetic Kinetics is an international creative arts and design studio specializing in interactive public art.  We create experiences that engage the public, inspire curiosity, and make a difference. Poetic Kinetics is a diverse group of skilled professionals inspired by the creative process.  We thrive on inventive problem-solving by playing to each other’s expertise.

“If everything in our man-made environment is designed — everything is a creative choice. Why not make those choices as enriching and stimulating as possible?”

— Patrick Shearn
Since 2008 Working Worldwide
50+ World-class artworks
20+ Countries
Patrick Shearn, CEO – Creative Lead, Poetic Kinetics

CEO – Creative Lead

Patrick Shearn

World Renown Public Art Artist Patrick Shearn, Creative Director of Poetic Kinetics , is a visionary artist renowned for his captivating, large-scale public art installations that transform urban spaces and engage audiences around the globe. Fueled by a passion for exploring human connection, emotion, and our relationship with the natural world, Shearn creates immersive experiences that inspire wonder and introspection, captivating viewers on both visual and emotional levels. Shearn’s artistic career started in the film industry , on notable projects such as “Jurassic Park,” “Fight Club,” and “Interview with a Vampire,”.  This experience nurtured his creative spirit and honed his technical prowess, ultimately leading him to establish Poetic Kinetics, a collective of talented artists.

Full biography + CV

Awards & honors

Recognition

The team

Patrick Shearn, CEO – Creative Lead, Poetic Kinetics
CEO – Creative Lead

Patrick Shearn

Founder and creative director shaping the studio’s artistic vision and its landmark kinetic works.

Desiree Barlow, Chief Operating Officer, Poetic Kinetics
Chief Operating Officer

Desiree Barlow

Guides studio operations and the teams that carry ambitious commissions from planning to delivery.

Mike Saenz, Producer, Poetic Kinetics
Producer

Mike Saenz

Produces complex artworks from early coordination through fabrication, logistics, and installation.

Derek Welsh, Shop Manager, Poetic Kinetics
Shop Manager

Derek Welsh

Leads the shop where large-scale ideas become precise, durable, and installation-ready structures.

Chad Diep, Designer, Poetic Kinetics
Designer

Chad Diep

Translates artistic concepts into designed systems that can move, respond, and perform at scale.

Stephen Stanec, Production Coordinator, Poetic Kinetics
Production Coordinator

Stephen Stanec

Coordinates the people, materials, and schedules that keep every production moving forward.

Nora Murphy, Fabrication Assistant, Poetic Kinetics
Fabrication Assistant

Nora Murphy

Supports fabrication and finishing with the close attention essential to every installation.

What our partners say

“We wanted a piece of art that would create thatwow factor… when we discovered Patrick’s work, wejust knew right then and there, that was a match.”
MaryPat CEO, Atlanta Botanical Garden
“Taking ordinary outdoorspaces and turning theminto something magical.”
Kelly Clarkson The Kelly Clarkson Show
“Dream Flora is one of my favorite art installationswe’ve ever done and is a staff favorite not onlybecause of the sheer beauty but because of the team involved.”
Amanda Bennett Vice President, Horticulture & Collections, Atlanta Botanical Garden
“Their thoughtful attention to detail, professionalism, andwillingness to collaborate made every step of the developmentand installation processes a reassuring and confident experience.”
Lea Morgan Manager of Exhibitions, New England Botanic Garden

Let's transform your space

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