Mgr. Art. Miroslav Hric, Art. D.

How did you come to work on coins and medals?

Working in coin and medal making in general runs in my family. My grandfather was an engraver, who prepared the dies at the Kremnica mint, and my father was a medal maker. I was trained at the School of Applied Arts in Kremnica and went on to study sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava.

Do you remember your first realization for the Czech Mint?

Yes, I think it was a two-ounce gold coin of Wenceslas IV and Sigismund of Luxembourg.

Could you count how many coin and medal designs you have created in your career?

Unfortunately, no. In the beginning I still kept a detailed record, but over the years I have lost track. I'm sure there are hundreds of them.

Which commission from the Czech Mint pleased you the most, which one do you remember the most?

I approached the silver sixty-millimeter Perun coin with great gusto.

What theme is closest to your heart?

I like historical themes, but generally I also like to work on themes that are not strictly defined and give the artist the opportunity to use their imagination and creativity in the creation – just have a look at Perun.

How do you find inspiration for your work, where do you like to create?

It depends very much on the assignment. Some themes literally present themselves and are iconic. Others need to be laboriously researched – like World War II, for example. Others need time to draw and think. For the latter, it is important to gain distance and perspective so that the author can create something original.

Do you have a secret dream, something you'd like to achieve that you'd say would represent the pinnacle of your career as a medalist?

Sure. I would very much like to create a unique series of gold "micro" coins for the Czech Mint, which would impress with their originality of design.

2023

Profile: www.miroslav-hric.com