Hank Murta Adams

(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1956 - )

North America, American

Adams is known for his works in cast glass, primarily oversized, caricature-like human busts. Created in translucent, colored glass, often with adornments of metal or other materials, his heads recall the ancient tradition of portrait sculpture. Adams’ portraits, however, portray a more pathetic “everyman” than do classical busts, which often depict emperors or mythic heroes. Adams’ works also tend to incorporate technological elements, representing mankind’s increasing detachment from nature, a subject he is deeply concerned with. In addition to portrait busts, Adams creates large wall pieces, which he calls “floor events”, using a poured sand-molded glass process. These works are often embedded with wire or other copper objects. Adams completed his BFA at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in 1978. In addition, he has studied at the Penland School of Crafts in Penland, North Carolina, and the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington.

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