Pixar: 20 Years of Animation July 1, 2007

John Lasseter says that it takes three things to make an animated film: world, character and story. In the simplest sense, that is the heart of this exhibit, the handmade designs for the worlds, characters and stories of Pixar’s first twenty years of filmmaking.

At Pixar, we realize we are associated, in many people’s experience, with computers. We do use computers in the making of our films. However, at the center of everything we do is the love of story and the wonderful pictures that help tell the story. The computer lets us create worlds and characters that otherwise we could only dream of enjoying. The computer lets us invite you into the dream to dream along with us. The computer is where we finish our stories.

So where, then, do we start them, enliven them, give them shape? As with all storytelling, we begin in the imagination, with an idea. Then we turn to traditionally trained artists and sculptors, who start with blank paper and lumps of clay. Handmade art — made using the same ancient tools available before writing existed, like drawing and painting and sculpture — brings the vision of our stories to life.

In this exhibit, we hope you’ll discover the wonder and purpose of the handmade art that is the groundwork from which our animated stories spring, as you join us in celebrating the art and artists of Pixar.

Official Website: http://www.pixar.com/companyinfo/about_us/exhibitions.html