Autodesk Introduces Digital Stone Exhibition to China

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Oct. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- "It's better to make mistakes in electrons, than in granite," says sculptor Bruce Beasley.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Oct. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Digital Stone, a contemporary art exhibition touring three cities in China, has opened at the Today Art Museum in Beijing. The exhibit, sponsored by Autodesk, Inc., a leader in digital design and engineering software, features the work of four American stone sculptors who use 3D software to create sculpture and represent the surprising intersection of art and technology.

Touring through Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing, Digital Stone demonstrates the fusion of 3D modeling technologies with traditional stone carving techniques practiced in China for thousands of years. This exhibit features artists Bruce Beasley, Jon Isherwood, Robert Michael Smith and Kenneth Snelson. The artists started with Autodesk design tools to form and stretch complex shapes for their sculptures, before a single stone was cut. Then they worked with some of the finest stone carvers in China, who used 3D rapid prototypes to create the extraordinary stone sculptures featured in the exhibition. The artists' process of conceptualizing and digitally sculpting their ideas is also featured in the exhibition.

"The primary value of using Autodesk's design software, and what you see in the Digital Stone Exhibition, is the fantastic ability to try ideas spontaneously without using expensive materials and time-consuming mechanical processes," said sculptor Bruce Beasley. "The ability to design, see, understand and evaluate designs quickly without having to invest precious time and money is absolutely liberating for any designer."

"I met with sculptors using Autodesk software and was surprised to learn that artists were applying technology built for engineers, architects, manufacturers and animators," said Carl Bass, Autodesk president and CEO. "The Digital Stone sculptures introduced in this exhibition are compelling examples of an innovative approach to art, and show a way of experiencing form digitally before making it real."

Artists can now use design technology to translate their creative ideas into prototypes to help them master their craft. The sculptures in the Digital Stone Exhibition were created using Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk AliasStudio, and Autodesk Inventor. Autodesk 3ds Max and Autodesk Maya are widely used in 3D animation and visual special effect production. Autodesk AliasStudio is the software of preference for top-class auto designers, and Autodesk Inventor is the cornerstone of Digital Prototyping solutions for the manufacturing industry.

Digital Stone Exhibition Locations:

Today Art Museum, Beijing, October 4-28, 2008

Duolun Museum of Modern Art, Shanghai, November 4-27, 2008

Jinse Gallery, Chongqing, December 2008, January 2009

For more information about Digital Stone and to download images, visit http://www.autodesk.com/digitalstone, or for the Digital Stone website in Chinese, visit www.autodesk.com.cn/digitalstone.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, AliasStudio, Autodesk Inventor, Inventor, Maya, and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

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    Media Contacts
    Colleen Rubart
    Tel: 415-547-2368
    Email: colleen.rubart@autodesk.com

    Jennifer Ha
    Tel: 415-547-2435
    Email: jennifer.ha@autodesk.com

Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/
http://www.autodesk.com/digitalstone/