He likes to play with new techniques and use new ideas
in the creation of his art. Ideas come from nature, junk yards (recycled
materials) electronics, and a vision of what can evolve from something
else. He is an accomplished lapidary and can turn an ordinary river rock
into a prized jewel.
Stephen turns out more than 200 pieces of custom jewelry a year and at the same time enjoys running the family business, The Hospitality House. The creative process does not stop with a finished piece of jewelry but goes into fixing an old piece of furniture or upgrading elements of the campground or hotel. He enjoys doing advertising lay- out and creative marketing.
He and his wife Bonnie are also the producers of the Cripple Creek Players Melodrama.
The biggest influence on Stephen's work has been his teacher and mentor, Edward Tennen. It was under the eye of Tennen that the Colorado native was an apprentice for nearly two years. Tennen is a fifth generation goldsmith who worked in Austria before World War II . Fleeing the horrors of Hitler, Tennen migrated to the United States and settled in Tucson, Arizona where he still operates Coree Jewelers.
Stephen believes apprentice programs are a thing of the past. " Good craftsman can not afford to let their own work lapse in order to teach, but Ed took the time to show me the ropes. Now I feel that I should take the time to pass it on. Mike Slancik has been an outstanding student to me and now we learn from each other." Mackin said. When he has time he works with other students.
Stephen
believes simplicity is the key to all quality design. When working with
stones he works to achieve a harmony between the stone and the metalwork.
Mackin likes to work with his customers in the design process to make sure
the needs of the person who will end up owning one of his creations is
completely satisfied.
Stephen has shown his work in galleries in Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and through-out Colorado. He has received numerous awards for his work in juried art shows.
We hope you enjoy looking at the work displayed in The Crucible and will tell your friends. If we can be of service to you in creation of something new or just fixing some thing old, be our guest. Stephen's hallmark, on a work of art assures the owner of the work the highest caliber workmanship available in the country.
For more information, contact: The Crucible, POB 957, Cripple Creek, CO 80813; 719-689-2513; 1-800-500-2513. Email auagsmith@juno.com
Stephen
was recently commissioned to create the JOY Cross. The JOY cross was commissioned
by the ECW ( Episcopal Church Woman) for their Triennial Meeting in July
of 2000. The job started out at 200 and final count on the crosses was
1,100. Projects like this are a very rewarding experience and Stephen looks
forward to the challenge.
Over the past few years a large focus toward religious jewelry and sculpture has been part of Stephen's art.
Below are gates Stephen did for the Church of the Holy Comforter in Broomfield CO. They are made of 1/4 inch brass plate with the design carved into the metal
