At age 14 Mark began working in metals as an apprentice to his father (James Author Schwabe). From him, Mark learned basic metalworking skills and skills particular to precious metals. In the process, Mark did the production hand work for many of his

creations that became Cartier products (at the time, Cartier NY was Mark’s Dads' largest volume customer.) In Mark’s 20's, as a graduate student at the State University of NY at Albany, he learned how to weld and so much more, from his mentor Richard Stankiewicz (prominent American sculptor and pioneer of steel assemblage sculpture in the 1950's). To this training Mark added experience making many original sculptings for Star Wars and

Star Trek licensed products (as a contractor for Rawcliffe Pewter) and twice visited Skywalker Ranch to meet with LucasFilm licensed product staff. At the same time, as a contractor for B A Ballou Co, he made original sculpting for many pieces that became Smithsonian Museum gift shop items. Mark also worked as a consultant for a Tiffany & Co owned factory. His background includes experience making things (or consulting) for Cartier, Tiffany, The Smithsonian, Star Trek/Paramount Pictures and Star Wars/Lucas Film! Currently Mark makes his own creations in his studio in Burlingtons' "South End Arts District."