Peder Wilhelm McCanless (Will)

Founder

Peder Wilhelm McCanless (Will)

Founder

Originally hailing from Seagrove, North Carolina—a historic town renowned for its 200-year pottery-making tradition—Will is a second-generation master potter whose roots run deep in the craft. He apprenticed with his parents and worked full-time in the family business, Dover Pottery, for 16 years. His family’s profound impact on the local craft community was immortalized in the PBS-affiliated documentary, The 14th Shop.

Building on this legacy, Will established his own studio and gallery, McCanless Pottery, in 2006, expanding with a second gallery in 2009. His masterful work and dedication to the craft led the Winston-Salem Journal to dub him the "pottery laureate of North Carolina." Will’s artistry and expertise have been widely recognized across multiple platforms: he has shared his journey as a featured guest on The Potter's Cast, and his work has been highlighted in Southern Living, Pinehurst, and Our State magazines. He is also a featured artist in two prominent books: The Remarkable Potters of Seagrove by Charlotte Vestal Brown and Crystalline Glazes: Understanding the Process and Materials by Fara Shimbo.

A dedicated advocate for the ceramic arts, Will co-founded The Celebration of Seagrove Potters, which stands as one of the largest pottery festivals in the southeastern United States. He has also served on the boards of The Museum of North Carolina Traditional Pottery and the Seagrove Area Potters Association.

In 2019, Will relocated to Australia, bringing his decades of expertise to the vibrant local ceramics scene. Since his move, he has worked as a production potter and clay instructor for Bendigo Pottery, Academy Bendigo School of Art, Elizabeth Bell Ceramics, Muddle Ceramics, Ian Clare Studio Pottery, and Faludi Ceramics. He has also taken on vital leadership roles, serving as President and Executive Director of Castlemaine Clay in Castlemaine, Victoria.

Technically, Will’s work is primarily focused on brush decoration, zinc silicate crystalline glazes, and wood-fired pottery, complemented by extensive experience with Raku and reduction firing.

Beyond the wheel, Will is the proud father of two sweet little angels, Evelynn and Delling, who provide him with constant and enthusiastic inspiration.

Shelley Booth

Studio Director/Ceramics Instructor

Shelley Booth is a passionate and experienced ceramics instructor with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Ceramics from Monash University. With a specialization in sculptural forms inspired by the feminine form, Shelley brings a unique artistic vision to her teaching.

Here at McCanless Pottery, Shelley leads an 8-week hand-building ceramics class, where she shares her extensive knowledge and skills with students of all levels. Her classes focus on the fundamentals of pinch pots, coiling, and slab building, providing a supportive and inspiring environment for creative exploration and skill development. Additionally, Shelley offers 2-hour wheel throwing workshops and children's ceramics classes, catering to a diverse range of learners and fostering a love for ceramics in all age groups.

Shelley’s dedication to the art of ceramics and her commitment to teaching make her a valuable asset to our team. She is excited to inspire and guide her students in their artistic journeys.