COCOA, Fla. — It’s been said that life is just like potter’s clay because it gets shaped by our own hands.

And nowhere is that truer than a place called Outlaw Pottery in Brevard County.

Each week, those wishing to get their hands dirty meet at Outlaw to shape, mold, and create something special.

Since 2010, Rosalie Outlaw has held pottery classes to anyone that wants to sign up, get dirty and learn how to make something special using a type of art therapy.

Some students will tell you it’s peaceful, others say it’s mesmerizing touching, shaping, and molding earth’s natural substance. 

Most everyone agrees it is therapeutic. 

“The clay therapy comes in because you have to focus on clay,” said Outlaw.

Outlaw Pottery (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)

Depending on your class, some 5 to 10 other pottery students will be next to you learning the same ancient art.

Of course, private classes are available should you prefer that.

The group sessions include those that have been coming for years, along with many first timers in each class.

“Everyone is at a different point when they come here,” Outlaw said. “Brand new students know nothing and go into classes with students who have been here for months or years. And those students can help each other and learn from one another.”

Outlaw said she believes everyone is channeling their own inner child when working with clay.

“A lot of people that take lessons. I ask them, is this new to you or something you always wanted to try?” she said. “Well, I did it in kindergarten, and that was the last thing.”

Outlaw Pottery (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)

“That’s where we all touch clay for the first time, and it stays there until maybe you’re retired.”

This pottery instructor says her mom was once an artist while she used to perform as a belly dancer.

She believes pottery, an art dating back to 29,000 BC, allowed humans to advance by being able to store food and water.

“The fact we can turn mud that is dug out of the ground into something beautiful, something artistic. We could not have evolved as a civilization.”

Outlaw Pottery is open to those ages 7 and older, and the company offers both two-hour and 10-week group sessions.

A two-hour session that includes private instruction, tools, and all. Materials are $150 per person.

Online reservations are required at Outlaw Pottery.

Outlaw Pottery (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)