Hats

A selection of the iconic Tlingit Hats that Preston has created over the last several years. These modern works created in blown glass are inspired by traditional Tlingit Hats that were typically made out of cedar bark or spruce root weaving. 

When Singletary’s hat forms are turned upside down and a single point of light is positioned above them, the pieces cast dynamic shadows on the surface where they sit.

Singletary discovered this somewhat by chance in 1991. His aunt, Teresa, attended one of his shows at Seattle’s Benjamin Moore, Inc., a fine-art glass studio where Singletary had worked. An early example of his hat form was on exhibit. 

During the show, Singletary's Aunt suggested that Singletary put the glass Tlingit Hat on a pedestal with a spotlight above it. “When we moved it, about 20 people gathered around to see how the light affected it,” Singletary notes, “Light shimmered through the hat and created a shadow effect. People oohed and aahed. It was a magical moment, a discovery point.” For current available works please view the full list of galleries representing Singletary under the "Galleries" section