Sklo, the Czech word for glass, is also the name of a collaborative multi-disciplinary design studio headquartered in Healdsburg, CA, specializing in glass objects and lighting. The decision to name the business SkLO may seem clear, especially given that SkLO works directly with Czech Republic-based glassmasters. However, like every other aspect of this design studio, founded by Pavel Hanousek, Karen Gilbert, and Paul Pavlak, an underlying deliberation of intention distinguishes its work — right down to the very name under which it operates.

“When were brainstorming about what name to give to our new venture, all three of us were immediately taken by the word [sklo],” explains Paul Pavlak. "It has great visual appeal, too. Karen and I did all the branding and logo design ourselves. Designing the logo, we felt that since we were basically naming our company glass we wanted to find a few subtle moves to make it unique."

Paul, an architect, had fun playing around with the graphic look and capitalization possibilities of the name. "The small k worked really well graphically, and then we added the plus-sign as a sort of symbolic reminder, that we are more than just glass, that the concept of SkLO is to go beyond the traditions and techniques of glassblowing and re-present what czech crystal can mean," Paul explains.

This re-presentation of work is certainly making others sit up and take notice. In the past few months, SkLO has shown its work at the NY NOW-Accent on Design in August Paris trade show Maison & Objet, one of the biggest trade shows in Europe. In July, in July, SkLO’s Fold Vessel made the long list for the World Interior News Awards.

SkLO’s growth continues on a steady pace, thanks in part to the company having recently established distribution in the Czech Republic. This means that work can ship from either California or the Czech Republic, extending the company’s ability to serve clients worldwide and to allow SkLO to grow into the global brand it’s clearly destined to become.

“The critical acclaim SkLO is receiving, as well as the amazing demand for the product, are both very exciting to us,” Paul notes. “Karen and I are very confident as designers and put a great deal of ourselves into SkLO, and to see it succeeding is rewarding.

SkLO’s objects and lighting, along with Karen Gilbert’s jewelry, can be seen at Shibumi Gallery through October 27, 2013.

Opening Saturday, September 7, 5pm-8pm

Artist Designer Q&A: 5:30pm

Shibumi Gallery presents Shift, a show featuring the work of Karen Gilbert and SkLO Studio. Shift highlights the intimate relationship between material and form viewed from the complimentary perspectives of craft and design. The exhibition runs through October 27, 2013 at Shibumi Gallery, with the opening reception held Saturday September 7th from 5-8pm and Artist/ Designer Q&A beginning at 5:30pm.

Karen Gilbert’s jewelry explores ideas of beauty and comfort by merging materials of contrasting nature and challenging conceptions of form and function. Working with various materials such as oxidized sterling silver, stainless steel, glass, precious stones, and textiles, the sculptural nature of her jewelry finds inspiration in the microcosm of our everyday world, exposing "the smallest as a visual representation of the larger complexity".

SkLO Studio is a collaborative multi-disciplinary design studio founded by Pavel Hanousek, Karen Gilbert, and Paul Pavlak. Working directly with glass masters in the Czech Republic, SkLO brings a new modern sensibility to the hand blown Czech glass tradition. While remaining rooted in the unique synergy found between design and craft, SkLO is going beyond glass and glassblowing to create a vibrant modern design brand.

SkLO: Object, Vessel, Light, Intention

Karen Gilbert Jewelry with SkLO Studio Objects and Lighting