Mares started his working life as a toolmaker in
Prague, and was exceptionally skilled in this area, reaching the rank of Toolmaker First Class prior to the
Prague Spring of 1968. Mares recalled going to work one morning during this time to find several tanks parked outside the factory at which he worked. It was during this time that Mares' tools were stolen, leaving him with a debt to the state that had to be paid off. Mares and another toolmaker worked nights until the debt was paid, and he then decided to leave
Czechoslovakia and
emigrate.
In Australia Once in
Australia, Mares worked in several different locations, including
Darwin and
Broome. Mares worked in his own workshop at Macclesfield, South Australia producing furniture and
sculpture from 1975 onwards. In 1979, Mares completed a Diploma in Art and Craft in South Australia. He was a skilled carpenter, and in addition to building his house in Macclesfield he also built a house in
Goolwa. During this time through personal travels and experiences, Mares developed his own unique style of work, which was manifested in several furniture designs and some sculptures. His rate of work was prolific, and his daughter recalled that he was always working in his workshop from early morning to dusk. ==Study travels==