Explore new videos of recent Preston Singletary Artist Talks, the stories behind select sculptures, interviews and more.
For the past few months Preston Singletary has been able to engage in several virtual Artist Talks with select galleries and arts organizations. Usually done as in person events, these virtual Artist Talks provide in-depth insight about Singletary’s art process, inspiration and future projects.
Visit the Preston Singletary Studio Channel on YouTube to see videos of recent Artist Talks, the stories behind select sculptures, interviews and more.
“In my view, my only option is to continue to create positivity and beauty as best I can through my art.” - Preston Singletary
Here is the latest Preston Singletary Artist Lecture from Blue Rain Gallery in Santa Fe, NM.
New Works from the Preston Singletary Studio: An Inside Look
New Works from the Preston Singletary Studio: An Inside Look
“Annual Celebration of Native American Art”
It has been an extremely reflective and intense time during this period of Covid 19. During the spring I was not working in the hot process, which is team oriented, rather the isolation opened up the time and opportunity to finish many existing pieces in the studio.
The work included in the “Annual Celebration of Native American Art” at the Blue Rain Gallery is a variety of new art that builds on formats that I’ve been experimenting with sculpturally and esthetically. The vessel forms pay homage to my glass blowing roots and are adorned with flowing form line designs, while the colors are bright, meditative and reference a sort of modernist sensibility.
A return to the Crest Hat format is one that I go to intermittently. These forms are like a canvas for new design of crest animals that represent different families, and the design pattern evolves with time and my ability to reimagine newer ways of interpreting the figures.
“Raven and The North Winds” is a mobile, which represents Raven when he was fishing, when the sun made him so hot and uncomfortable, that he called on the winds to blow hard so that he could continue his activity of food gathering.
I look forward to sharing this new collection of blown glass sculptures at the Blue Rain Gallery “Annual Celebration of Native American Art” running from August 14th – 25th, 2020.
White Smoke, Under The Blue Sky, Sacred Woods, and Long White Cloud
Blown and Sand Carved Glass
Height varies from 27.5" to 15.5"
Shark Clan Hat
Blown and sand carved glass
7.75" x 16.75"
Raven in the North Winds
Blown and sand carved glass, bronze
New Work with Raven Skyriver
Shortly after gradually reopening the hot shop at the Studio in July I was able to collaborate with the artist Raven Skyriver on a new collection of blown glass sculptures. This is our second collaboration together where we were able to meld our distinct styles into glass.
As the Preston Singletary Studio adjusts to gradually reopening, Preston Singletary continues to work on new pieces for several upcoming exhibtions. Even through the hot shop was closed during the shut down Singletary was able to focus on his work at the Studio. As Singletary notes, "During this time of quarantine and uncertainty, we have been forced to contemplate life going forward. As an artist these things come out in different ways. For me it’ s been about keeping my family together, focused and safe. On the other side of that, I’ve found ample amount of uninterrupted time to make art."
Please visit the full list of galleries that represent Singletary art here. Several galleries are now open or open by appointment, please contact the galleries directly for more information.
Humanity at the Crossroad
Currently on view
Sanda Ainsley Gallery
Visit the Sandra Ainsley Gallery for a new exhibition, "Humanity at the Crossroad", featuring a new collecion of Singletary sculptures. This exhibition also features a selection of collaborative pieces with Canadian artist Joe David. Joe David, who is Singletary's mentor, opened his eyes to the minutia of details that informs the work that he does today. Exhibition catalog is available online.
Annual Celebration of Native American Art
August 14th - 25th, 2020
Blue Rain Gallery
View a new collection of blown glass sculptures at the Blue Rain Gallery’s Annual Celebration of Native American Art, August 14th – 25th, 2020. Join Preston at the gallery for the Artist Reception on Friday, August 14th from 5 - 8PM.
In addition to the exhibition, see special Glass Blowing Demonstrations featuring artists Preston Singletary and Dan Friday, 11AM - 3PM on Friday August 14th and Saturday August 15th, 2020.
Land Otter People
Blown and sand carved glass
8" x 33.5" x 10"
Raven and the Box of Daylight
On view until January 17th, 2021
Wichita Art Museum
Visit the Wichita Art Museum for “Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight”, the unique solo traveling exhibition by Preston Singletary and organized by the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA., which tells the Tlingit origin story of Raven and his transformation of the world—bringing light to people via the stars, moon, and sun. Raven leads visitors on a fantastical journey through the transformation of darkness into light.
Upcoming Exhibition Tour Dates:
National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC: Early 2022
Chrysler Museum of Art, Virginia: 2023
Raven and the Box of Daylight
Cast lead crystal
37.5" x 8.5" x 6.25"
Northwest Native Art Glass
October 1st - October 31st, 2020
Stonington Gallery
Visit the Stonington Gallery for a group exhibition of NW Native glass by several artists, including Preston Singletary. View select pieces by Singletary, including limited edition bronzes, Tlingit Baskets, prints and more.
Get a look at the new "Humanity at the Crossroad" exhibiton at the Sandra Ainsley Gallery.
"Humanity at the Crossroad", will be opening on June 20th at the Sandra Ainsley Gallery in Toronto and features a new collection of dynamic sculptures in blown glass.
During this time of quarantine and uncertainty, we have been forced to contemplate life going forward. As an artist these things come out in different ways. For me it’s been about keeping my family together, focused and safe. On the other side of that, I’ve found an ample amount of uninterrupted time to make art. My home, Seattle, has become one of the epicenters for the virus, and so this period of time has given me plenty of time to think about things.
The title of the exhibtion, “Humanity at the Crossroad”, came to me at the last minute. It felt appropriate to title the show this because this is how it feels. We have a real opportunity to set things right, or we could fail as a species.
This exhibition will also feature a selection of collaborative works with Canadian artist Joe David. Joe David, who is also my mentor, opened my eyes to the minutia of details that informs the work that I do today. The Guardian Spirit figures included in the exhibit are very special pieces. They refer back to effigies that were created out of a need for connecting to an intangible force, and one that guides us. They are mentor and mentee collaborations and should be regarded as evolutionary objects with deep roots to the past while transformed into the glass medium.
With the mentors and ancestors behind us, these objects can be considered a powerful extension of our Native community. A fresh voice from the past reminding us that these ancient codes and symbols have existed since time immemorial and come to life in new ways with new materials. I hope that this work guides us in the right direction, and that we can be inclusive with humility and compassion.
- Preston Singletary, June 2020
Feather Keeper, Collaboration With Joe David
Blown and sand carved glass
41” x 10.5” x 6.5”
Currently the Sandra Ainsley Gallery is open by appointment only and can be contacted by email or phone for consultations, high resolution photos and information on upcoming virtual artist events - including an online event for the exhibition opening on June 20th. Get a sneak peek at some of the pieces included in the “Humanity at the Crossroad” exhibiton here.
Hear Preston Singletary speak about the raven rattle sculpture titled, "Transforming Spiritual Power".
Transforming Spiritual Power
Blown and sand carved glass
26.75” x 8” x 15”
Read about the new upcoming museum and gallery exhibitons.
The Preston Singletary Studio is looking forward to the upcoming spring and summer exhibitions. As the Studio adjusts to current events please note that some event dates are in flux and are subject to change. For the full calendar of upcoming events please visit the Calendar section. Stay tuned as the Studio releases special videos, photos and more to enjoy these new artworks.
Artifacts From A Future Dream Traver Gallery
April 2nd - May 7th, 2020
Currently on view at the Traver Gallery website, this show is an homage to the future generations of Indigenous people. The forms in this show range from traditional to abstract, with new color combinations exploring another perspective in Singletary’s work. While the Traver Gallery's physical location is temporarily closed, they are available for FaceTime, phone, and email consultations. Virtually tour the exhibition now via this short film.
Started Up From The Earth As If In A Canoe
Blown and sand carved glass
12.5" x 16" x 9.5"
Traver Gallery
This exhibit will feature a collection of new pieces, including a selection of collaborative works with Canadian artist Joe David. Joe David, who is also Singletary’s mentor, opened his eyes to the minutia of details that informs the work that he does today.
The Guardian Spirit figures included in the exhibit are very special pieces. They are mentor and mentee collaborations and should be regarded as evolutionary objects with deep roots to the past while transformed into the glass medium. Contact the gallery for more information and opening times.
Fire Keeper
Collaboration with Joe David
Blown and sand carved glass
38.5” x 10.5” x 6”
Sandra Ainsley Gallery
Loon Under the Moon
Blown and sand carved glass
24.25” x 9”. x 4.5"
Sandra Ainsley Gallery
Annual Celebration of Native American Art Blue Rain Gallery
August 14th - 25th, 2020
View a new collection of blown glass sculptures at the Blue Rain Gallery, with special Glass Blowing Demonstrations featuring artists Preston Singletary and Dan Friday, 11AM - 3PM on Friday August 14th and Saturday August 15th, 2020.
Untitled
Blown and sand carved glass
24.25" x 16" x 5"
Raven And The Box Of Daylight Wichita Art Museum
Closes August 30th, 2020
Visit the Wichita Art Museum for “Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight”, the unique solo traveling exhibition by Preston Singletary and organized by the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA., which tells the Tlingit origin story of Raven and his transformation of the world—bringing light to people via the stars, moon, and sun. Raven leads visitors on a fantastical journey through the transformation of darkness into light. Visit the Wichita Art Museum website to learn more about opening times for the museum and exhibition details.
Raven and the Box of Daylight
Cast lead crystal
37.5” x 8.5” x 6.25”
