Next phase of life

The “Becoming” sculpture Metz and his students constructed for the UM campus more than a decade ago will continue to serve as a reminder of Metz’s dedication to his craft and his lasting impact on the university, its students and the employees who spend many of their waking hours teaching––and practicing, after hours––what they know.

“It was important for him not just to make the piece but to make the piece with the equipment we had generated at the school, and with students,” Meyer said of Metz. “I think that, and a million things like that, really typify Ted’s approach to that and to teaching.”

Metz said he is “happy as a teacher,” but is excited about the time retirement will give him to focus on sculpture, in his newly constructed home studio that he dubbed a “mini industrial site.”

“I’m finally going to be able to practice what I teach with 100 percent focus,” he said. “Frankly, I was afraid to do it. I started to aggressively equip myself (and) get to a position I could leave the university and continue my work without too many interruptions.”

Retirement also gives Metz and his wife, Robin, a painter and illustrator in her own right, more time to collaborate on ceramics.

Metz, who taught ceramics for 20 years at UM, said he loves to throw on the potter’s wheel but dislikes the decorating process, which is where Robin comes in.

“It’s a very rewarding collaboration,” he said.

“It’s so much fun,” Robin said of the couple’s work. “He won’t be retired at all. He will be working more.”