Artist’s Reception – Garrett Compton Daniells: Many Hands (2021-2924)

Garrett Compton Daniells
Many Hands (2021-2024)

Please join us for the Artist’s Reception for “Many Hands,” concurrent with the reception for our featured solo exhibition, “Livia Stein: Silent Conversation.” Drop in any time between 1 and 4 pm on Saturday, June 29th, to greet the artists, check out the recent work and enjoy the light refreshments on our lovely outdoor deck, weather permitting.

Garrett Compton Daniells’ installation, Many Hands (2021-2024), emerges as a testament to resilience and community in the face of personal adversity. Created during Daniells’ recovery from a near-death experience, the installation features numerous clay hands crafted in a repetitive, meditative process over a period of several years. Each hand symbolizes not only the artist’s journey through trauma, disability, addiction and mental health struggles but also serves as a universal metaphor for collective human experience in times of hardship.

The choice of clay, a fragile yet malleable material, underscores themes of vulnerability and strength. Daniells’ statement that “Many Hands” is a “time-based body of work” highlights the evolving nature of healing and growth after profound life challenges. The installation transcends its materiality, incorporating common materials like plywood and nails, which symbolize perseverance and the will to survive using any means necessary, drawing parallels to the predicament of individuals facing homelessness and addiction.

​In “Many Hands,” Daniells invites viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of human suffering and solidarity. The suspended ceramics evoke a sense of precariousness, yet also embody persistence and the potential for rebuilding. Through this evocative installation, Daniells encourages empathy and reflection on the shared human experience of overcoming adversity, reminding us that, despite our scars and struggles, we can be the supportive “many hands” for each other in times of need.