November 14, 2011 Elan Hughes smooths her vessel as the potter's
wheel spins without mercy. Stories this photo appears in: “This
is one of the oldest art forms that’s ever been or will be,”
said David Sanchez, the ceramics instructor at Gila Community
College (GCC). Evidence of pottery used as vessels dates from
16,000 B.C., according to a University of Cleveland Web site.
Although ceramics can survive thousands of years buried in
archaeological digs, Sanchez’s class follows the rule: “Don’t
fall in love with a piece until both firings are done.” Even
then, transporting the piece home could prove fatal, (one
student dropped her vase in the parking lot). Once home, the
piece could come crashing to the ground in an accident.