Shaping Culture and History into Glass with Artist Preston Singletary

Get ready to ignite your imaginative spirit as we journey with Preston Singletary, a proud member of the Tlingkit tribe and a master of the mesmerizing art of glass blowing. His Native American heritage shapes his unique artistic vision, reflecting in his intricate multi-stage process of sculpting hot glass. Infusing traditional Northwest Coast designs with his own modernist twist, Preston turns the tables and crafts narratives that reflect his great grandmother's tales and his cultural heritage.

This episode takes us on an enthralling exploration of indigenous art collaborations and how they've enriched Preston's work. He shares the complexities of creating large sculptures, even having to travel as far as the Czech Republic to find the right craftsman to bring his visions to life. You'll learn about his use of the Raven as a metaphor to continue developing symbolism in his art, and how he believes glass can be transformative for Native American culture.

Sit back as we delve into Preston's day-to-day life in the studio, his upcoming exhibitions, and his future vision for his art. From his fascinating journey as a pioneer in his medium, the importance he places on embracing new materials to keep stories and symbols alive, to the monumental task of creating and placing totems around the world, this episode provides a unique perspective on the hustle of maintaining an artistic practice. Join us and be inspired by this captivating conversation about art, culture, and the unyielding spirit of creativity.