Joe Mace learned to silversmith by watching his older brother Ted Mace. He says he does not like copying anyone else, so he gets design ideas from the land features where he lives in rural northwestern New Mexico. Mr. Mace began silversmithing when he was 23 years old and has been creating jewelry for over 25 years. He attended Ojo Encino Elementary School, middle school in Crownpoint, and high school in Fort Wingate. He really doesn't like to socialize outside of the home, but enjoys the hubbub of his large family at home, which includes six daughters, two sons, and nine grandchildren. He prefers living and working in the country, occasionally training horses as a hobby..