Daniel McQuade is an independent ceramic and sculptural artist located in the lower Hudson Valley. He specializes in working with clay, creating pottery, custom ceramic sculptures and other three dimensional art.Daniel believes in forging one's path and learning through hands-on experience. At the start of his career path, he networked with film industry professionals while attending high school high school, and then began working under them in the Special Effects Makeup Department and later on in the Art Department. He has also enjoyed being a background actor or "extra" in movies and TV shows. Daniel's hands-on experience within the special effects makeup community ignited much of his passion for working with many types of materials, from resin or silicone to clay. Sparking what now has become pottery and ceramics.After a period of mental decline Daniel forged on in his sculptural path which prompted him to start his own business. He incorporates advocating for mental health into his business, both for the benefit of others and as a personal reminder. He sees working with clay as a way of creating something meaningful out of nothing and views it as a philosophical aspect of human existence. Playing in the mud, or rather with the mud, is not about getting dirty but about digging through the dirt and the magic of creating something from nothing.Now, Daniel focuses on creating ceramics and other pottery along with his line of abstract face pots and planters, known as The Kindred Faces, inspired by growth and transformation. It serves as a reminder to keep moving forward.You can find some of Dan's creations online, as well as at art fairs and craft markets throughout the Hudson Valley and North Jersey.