Micah Adams

Micah Adams is a collector of objects as much as he is a maker. He collects, alters and reassembles found objects by his uniquely developed repertoire of manual techniques, developing a multi-media practice that encapsulates drawing, metalsmithing, and most recently, printmaking.

As a 2021 Smokestack Quarterly artist participant, Adams further drew on his affinity for aesthetically undervalued designs, particularly within the historical context of loose change, to create a new coin intervention. The resulting print, Caribou/Hare, exemplifies both his unique approach to metalsmithing and skillful translation of the object into etching. As Micah comments,

The Caribou/Hare coin collage started out as an idea/challenge; I wanted to see if the coins could be cut in such a way that the animal designs would match up, thus creating a fictional creature. I also wanted the outside edges to match up akin to overlapping circles. When the chance arose to make an etching – to scale up these coins on a copper plate and then cut them out like the originals – the proposal made for an exciting opportunity and satisfying silhouette.

Adams studied at CÉGEP John Abbott College, Montréal, and holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Adams has been an Artist in Residence at Harbourfront Centre’s Metal/Jewellery studio (2008-2011), and has participated in visiting artist programs at Open Studio (Toronto, ON), the Museum of Glass (Tacoma, WA), the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (Dawson City, YT), and Gros Morne National Park (Woody Point, NL). Adams’ works are held in numerous private and corporate collections including those of Fidelity Investments and TD Bank. He currently lives and works in Toronto.