Daniel
McQuestion is a self taught accomplished artist. From a very young
age he had two passions of life; to express himself artistically and
to explore the world of birds. Inspired by such legends as Audubon,
Fuertes and Peterson he ranged the countryside in search of his kindred
spirits, birds.
Like any true artist, Daniel felt compelled to create what he loved.
His interest in ornithology set him searching for a way to portray
life size birds without the bulk of clay or bronze, or the fragility
of wood. Daniel set four criteria for such a sculpture. They had to
be strong, lightweight, somewhat flexible and permanent.
He tried various materials and combinations there of, until most people
who knew him said it couldn't be done and urged him to quit. He refused
to give up. Daniel had a vision; he was driven to capture the spirit
and essence of birds. He longed to be surrounded with the beauty and
magic of the ever elusive world of birds.
Like his art, Daniel himself has an original soul. He does not follow
the path well trodden therefore he can see a magic in life that many
never get the chance to glimpse. Daniel is not only a self taught
ornithologist and an artist, he is also an inventor and a pioneer.
When he tried aluminum, it was like discovering Columbus's New World.
In his heart he knew that he had found his answer. After years of
experimenting he developed a technique that exactly fits the purpose
he originally intended.
The
Medium
These
sculptures are made out of aluminum. Many of the "feathers" are individually
hand cut out of .015" thick aluminum; making them lightweight and
somewhat flexible. There are eleven to fifteen steps to complete each
"feather". Some sculptures can have several hundred of these "feathers".
Daniel insists that each bird is true to the size, shape, and basic
color pattern of the species. In twenty-five years of sculpting birds
he has never done one that was not life size.
Each piece is a one of a kind original. It can not be cast or reproduced
in any way. Though he can create a sculpture that is much like one
he has already done, there is no way that he could recreate a piece
exactly.
While they look very realistic, they are more importantly - ART. Up
close you can see a variety of broad and fine brush strokes as well
as washes to give the illusion of "feathers".
Mastering
An Art
Daniel
has currently sculpted birds representing over 225 species including
rare birds such as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. He has done 33 species
of Hummingbirds and completed several sets of hummingbirds of the
United States that have been displayed in libraries and museums. His
reproduction of hummingbird's iridescent gorgets is amazing.
On the other end of the size spectrum he has created life-size eagles
in full flight. Suspended as if in flight from monofilament line,
an eagle that is 32" long has a wingspan of 80" and 1½" talons, That
would definitely be an impressive addition to any living room or entryway.
Because of the versatility of this medium, the size, shape, position,
and color of any species can be custom designed. There are practically
no limitations.
Exhibits
Water Resource Education Center ~ Vancouver,Washington
Alaska Raptor Center ~ Sitka, Alaska
Columbia Gorge NSA Interpretive Center ~ Stevenson, Washington
International Art Expo ~ New York, New York
High Desert Museum ~ Bend, Oregon
World Center for Birds of Prey ~ Boise, Idaho
Sedona Sculpture Walk ~ Sedona, Arizona
Wild Arts Festival; Audubon Society ~ Portland, Oregon
Lewis Clark Museum of Art & History ~ Lewiston, Idaho
Art on the Prairie; Wildlife Prairie State Park ~ Peoria, Illinois
National Small Works Exhibit; Arts Council ~ Cobbleskill, New York
Lankershim Gallery, NOHO District ~ Hollywood, California
A.R. Mitchell Museum ~ Trinidad, Colorado
Camas Public Library ~ Camas, Washington
San Diego Natural History Museum ~ San Diego, California
Journeys End National Exhibit, Heritage Museum ~ Astoria, Oregon
Museum & Visitor Center~ Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Tucson Gem & Mineral Society ~ 2009 Annual Show ~ Tucson, Arizona
Tucson Audubon ~ Tucson, Arizona
Joel D. Valdez Main Library ~ Tucson, Arizona
Tucson Sculpture Fest ~ Tucson, Arizona
Tucson Gem & Mineral Society ~ 2010 Annual Show ~ Tucson, Arizona
Bibliography
DAILY SUN; Sunnyside WA. Oct. 29, 1999. "Aluminum in Flight."
