Matthew Metz

1961Born Kendallville, Indiana

EDUCATION

1983BFA Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana

1985MFA University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, Pennsylvania

WORK EXPERIENCE

1989-1991Resident artist, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, Montana

—Studio Potter, Alfred, New York

BIOGRAPHY

Matthew Metz’s pots are thrown using porcelain or procelaneous clay body that is often paddled to create multi sided boxes. The surfaces of the pots are noteworthy for their intricate narrative carved decoration. Typically, the pots are glazed and then the design is created by cutting through the surface glaze to expose the contrasting clay body below.

Metz has consistently signed his work with his last name, often placing it in a geometric design on the bottom of the piece.

Occasionally, Metz uses multicolored clay to create a marbleized clay body and may add sprigs including trees, birds, leaves, and double helixes of contrasting color . The pieces are then fired in either a gas, wood (to which salt may be added) or electric kiln. For decorative inspiration Metz looks to early American folk art and Asian pottery traditions to which he adds images that are drawn from his life’s experiences to complete the narrative. Although he creates many functional forms perhaps he is most recognized for his covered boxes and jars.