Karen Gilbert

Karen Gilbert is a co-founder and lead designer at SkLO Studio, a company that specializes in handblown glass lighting and objects.13 She founded SkLO in 2009 along with her husband Paul Pavlak and business partner Pavel Hanousek.24

Key aspects of Karen Gilbert's background and role at SkLO include:

1. Artistic Background: Gilbert is an acclaimed craft artist, metalsmith, and jeweler.13 Her background in glass includes studying at Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle during the 1990s, where she was exposed to the glass art scene and artists like Dale Chihuly.2

2. Design Philosophy: As one of SkLO's lead designers, Gilbert brings her philosophy about craft and her experience as a maker to the company's design process.2 Her approach combines her metalsmithing skills with glasswork, bridging the worlds of Craft and Design.2

3. Hands-on Approach: Gilbert personally fabricates every working lighting design prototype for SkLO, maintaining a hands-on relationship with the products.2

4. Business Acumen: Prior to SkLO, Gilbert co-owned an art gallery in Healdsburg, California, which provided her with business experience and connections in the art world.1

5. Company Vision: Together with her husband Paul Pavlak, Gilbert shapes the overall vision of SkLO, balancing creativity with business savvy.1

SkLO's products are hand-blown in the Czech Republic, drawing on the country's rich glassblowing tradition.23 The company has headquarters in both Healdsburg, California, and Prague, Czech Republic.4

Karen Gilbert's unique combination of skills in metalwork, glassblowing, and design, along with her business experience, has been instrumental in shaping SkLO's distinctive approach to modern glass lighting and objects.123