Zahn Square Phrena Light Shade

Born in Vermont, Karl Zahn studied Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design with an emphasis on manufacturing and fabrication. Studying in Denmark in 2002 further emphasized his love of handcraft and his style bears a danish modern sensibility. His work deals with materiality and explores the practical and emotional relationship we have with products in this increasingly complicated world driven by technology and fraught with environmental guilt. "I tend to design for myself, but I am my own worst critic." Since 2007 he has concentrated on his own projects and collaborations with companies such as Artecnica, Kikkerland, Vulto and the publishing phenomenon McSweeney's. His work is featured in the Museum of Modern Art store and numerous publications.