Štěpánka Doležalová

What led you to work on coins and medals?

I attended secondary school of applied arts in Jablonec nad Nisou and really enjoyed modeling during my studio classes. After graduating, I didn't pursue it for a few years, just painting for my loved ones here and there for fun. It wasn't until I started working at the Czech Mint, where I joined as a proof -maker in 2016, that I occasionally thought about taking up modeling again. At the time, however, I didn't have much confidence in myself. When I moved to the design department in 2021, I got much closer to my goal because I work with plaster models from external artists. That same year, I was given my first project, on which I collaborated with a colleague who advised me on what to do. Later, official commissions came in.

Do you remember your first project for the Czech Mint?

The very first was a contribution to the series of medals featuring statutory cities. Specifically, it was the city of Teplice with the motif of Kolostůj's fountain.

Can you count how many coins and medals were made under your hands?

There aren't many yet – currently eight plus one electronic project.

Which commission from the Czech Mint pleased you the most?

I was most pleased with a loaned commission from a colleague who works on a series of colored silver coins called Cat Breeds. It was a Bengal cat. The reason is simple – I love animals, and finally it was something other than architecture.

What is your favourite subject?

I would like to work on more themes involving animals and nature in general. Or perhaps mysterious themes such as legends or mysteries.

How do you find inspiration for your work?

When working on the Statutory Cities series, the commissions have clear specifications. The client either specifies directly what they want on the medal, or leaves it up to me, so I look at several important monuments in a particular city, prepare several design options, and the client chooses one of them.

I am newly working on the Patron Saints mini-coins. For example, for Saint Florian, I drew inspiration from a motif that had already appeared on a coin, but I tried to modify it. However, the assignment was clear again – there wasn't much to think about, just a different look and composition, which I would like to keep for other patron saints as well. Otherwise, I search on the internet, where I focus on specific attributes that everyone can recognize as belonging to a particular patron saint.

Where do you like to create the most?

I create at home, where I have peace and quiet. I listen to podcasts or music while I work, so it's a great relaxing activity, but very time-consuming.

Do you have a secret dream – something you want to achieve that you would consider a highlight in your career as a medal maker?

Not specifically, I just hope that there will be more topics that I feel closer to. This work is also a hobby where you can switch off, create, and see something come to life under your hands, so I just have a modest wish to stick with it as long as I enjoy it.