Black Water Spirit

In “Black Water Spirit”, Preston Singletary carves ovoid and U-shaped elements, a style of the Norwest Coast Indigenous tribes known as formline, into the glass. He infuses personal expression and his Tlingit heritage into his work in glass while adhering to the stylistic rules that govern the thickness, balance, and flow of his carved lines. He likens the results to jazz improvisation.  The Tlingit are one of several Indigenous tribes living on the Pacific Northwest Coast, from southern Alaska to Oregon. Trained in European glass techniques, Singletary was encouraged by Indigenous artists Tony Jojola and Larry “Ulaaq” Ahvakana to embrace his roots. Inspired by Tlingit wood carvings and totem poles, he began carving one-of-a-kind designs into glass in 1988. His work blends tradition with innovation, showing Indigenous art as a dynamic, living expression.