About
SkLO sits at the intersection of modern California design and centuries-old Czech glass tradition.
The inherent imperfection of glass
Our designs celebrate the inherent imperfection and irregularity in the processes we seek to express. Revealing the unseen beauty of materials and how things are made results in details and subtleties that make each handmade piece unique. We seek to achieve the simplest expression of an idea, and not overthink. Striving for restraint and beauty, we try to maintain an innocence of the relationship between materials and forms.
The culture we nurture at SkLO is one that values curiosity, process and quality. These lay the foundation of the timeless beauty of our work.
A tradition of Czech glassblowing
We design specifically for the Czech glass tradition. Czech glassblowing is one of the great living historical glassblowing traditions, whose history can be traced back to the 13th century. Historical glass traditions grew in isolation, which resulted in a uniqueness, making one different from another.
Czech glass is known for its inimitable clarity, the vibrancy of its colors, the Czech ability to hand blow large and complex shapes, and their renowned skill at cutting and carving glass. Where we have our designs manufactured is not a secondary consideration — it is the primary concept behind SkLO.
Who we are
SkLO began in 2009 in a small town in the wine country of Northern California. The three of us felt a synergy when we first met, and SkLO reflects each of our different backgrounds and abilities. Pavel has a long history of working with the glassblowing tradition of his native Czech Republic. His love for and intuitive understanding of Czech glassblowing is the driving force behind the brand. Karen’s practice as a craft artist and jeweler has always had a focus on glass as a material, and she brings her point-of-view about the relationship between craft and design. Paul is a designer with an architect’s belief in simplicity and honesty in design. Together, we are dedicated to working within – and preserving – the Czech glassblowing tradition.
