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.
