These simple and organic pomegranate vessels have long caught our eye. But we're slightly embarassed to admit that we only recently discovered who is behind these hand-thrown lovelies: Whitney Smith.

After perusing the Bay Area artist's assortment of ceramicware — including plates, pitchers, cake stands and vases — we found ourselves most captivated by her collection of bowls.

The 6" bowl adorned with a trio of sculpted birds is $62. And now through June 15, an 8" version with four birds, is offered at the same price on Smith's website. (It's regularly $78.)

The wheel-thrown poppy bowl — which comes in red, yellow or white — would perk up any table. Measuring 10" in diameter, it's priced at $158; it can also be custom-made in other sizes.

The five-piece nesting bowl set, available in several colors, is $210. We would definitely store these lotus bowls out in the open, so we can admire them at all times.

Smith picked up her pottery skills at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz. Although she later studied anthropology at UCSC, she continued to hone her craft in a studio in her garage.

In 2000, she decided to devote herself full-time to ceramics. Her time spent working with a floral designer appears to have influenced her designs — which often feature blooms such as orchids, poppies and dogwood.

You can buy pieces right on her website. Or, locally, check them out in person at Urban Mercantile, Artist-Xchange, Good Sage and High Cotton Living.

Top image: Urban Mercantile
All other images: Whitney Smith Pottery