Artist Bob Pool is a Bay Area native who has been an artist-in-residence in Korea, China and Japan, and that Asian influence shows in his work. All of his hand-thrown dishes, pots and plates are not only original designs, they are lead-free and dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe, making them extremely functional art pieces that you can use in your everyday life. Check his web site for open studio events and for pictures of his pieces. Visitors are welcome at this Berkeley studio, but call ahead so he can be sure the studio will be open.