About Adam Smith

Adam Smith was born in 1971 and has lived his entire life in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Photo by Alexandria King

Adam began creating art as part of his recovery from the effects of a rare genetic disease called metachromatic leukodystrophy. The disease destroys the white matter of the central nervous system over time. However, Adam was one of the first adults in the world, and still one of the very few, to undergo a bone marrow transplant designed to provide him with an enzyme he needs to stop the progression of the disease. The disease has been arrested since the transplant in 1994.

Adam's brother, Joshua Smith is the principal flutist of the Cleveland Orchestra. It was Josh who donated the bone marrow Adam needed.

Meanwhile, Adam has been able to explore his world through the arts, with the support of VSA Arts of New Mexico. Adam incorporates his interests into his art in creative and beautiful ways. His struggle with disease is the subject of some of his writing. He is an active member of the Cathedral Church of St. John and occasionally exhibits his work in the church's gallery. Some of his art reflects the religious symbolism of his church and the religious folk art of New Mexico.

He is an avid outdoorsman and an accomplished rider. He owns a quarter horse and much of his recent work is inspired by the power and spirit of horses.

Adam embraces his Greek ancestry. He returned from a trip to Greece in 2002 that included a visit to his grandfather's village, with many new images suggested by Greek architecture, statuary and mythology.