SkLO – From Design to Furnace to Project

Every piece is a reflection of the materials, processes, and people who bring it to life, from initial concept to the fiery furnace, and finally, into the hands of those who experience it.

“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.”

The Beauty of Imperfection

SkLO’s designs embrace the inherent irregularities of glass. Each handmade piece tells its own story, capturing the subtleties and nuances that emerge naturally in the glassblowing process. The brand strives for simplicity and restraint, focusing on the purest expression of an idea without overthinking it. By maintaining an innocence in the relationship between materials and forms, SkLO creates objects that feel alive and authentic.

A Tradition of Czech Glassblowing

SkLO’s work is rooted deeply in the Czech glassblowing tradition, one of the world’s great living historical crafts. Dating back to the 13th century, Czech glass has developed unique qualities in isolation, resulting in unmatched clarity, vibrant colours, and the ability to hand-blow large, complex shapes. Czech artisans are also renowned for their cutting and carving skills.

For SkLO, where the glass is made is not secondary, it’s central to the brand’s philosophy. Every design is created specifically with Czech glass techniques in mind, ensuring that each piece honours and preserves this centuries-old tradition.

The Founders Behind SkLO

SkLO was founded in 2009 in a small town in Northern California’s wine country by three creators with complementary talents.

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, they have built a brand dedicated to working within, and preserving, the Czech glassblowing tradition

From Furnace to Project

Every SkLO piece is more than just glass. It’s the culmination of vision, craft, and process:

1. Design – Ideas are distilled into simple, expressive forms.
2. Furnace – Czech artisans hand-blow, shape, cut and polish each piece with
   centuries of expertise.
3. Project – Finished objects find their way into interiors around the world, where
   they become functional art, from residential spaces to hospitality projects.

This journey from design to furnace to project ensures that every piece carries the story of its making, its maker and its place in the home or space it inhabits.

Read more from SkLO, Sculptural, Functional, Mood-Making: Wall Lights by SkLO.