Dr. Preston Singletary Video Interview + Questions

Unedited Raw footage (Full Interview 54:05 Minutes)

1. You began blowing glass at the Glass Eye studios in Seattle in 1982. What initially drew you to glass as a medium, and how has your relationship with it evolved over the years?

2. in the 1980’s you had the opportunity to work with renowned artists like Dante Marioni, Richard Royal, and Lino Tagliapietra. How did your collaborations with these artists shape your approach to glassblowing, and what did you learn from them?

3. During your six months in Scandinavia you were influenced by Scandinavian design. Could you share how that experience shaped your work and aesthetic, especially in relation to the themes of your art?

4. Before you were in the glass world I heard you were into music, and you've mentioned that music plays a role in shaping your contemporary perspective of Native culture. How does music influence the creation of your glass sculptures, and what parallels do you see between music and visual art?

5. With over 40 years of experience in glassmaking and working closely with elders, how do you see your role in preserving and passing on cultural knowledge to future generations? Are there particular teachings or stories that have stayed with you?

6. You received an honorary name from elder Joe David, and in 2009, you were awarded an honorary doctorate degree. How have these recognitions impacted your work and your approach to art, culture, and community?

7. You said that your history is part of what give your work power, but that you also want to almost break free from it just being called native or ethnic art.

8. Your works are now housed in prominent museums worldwide, such as the British Museum and the Smithsonian Institution. How does it feel to see your creations displayed on such an international scale, and what do you hope viewers take away from your exhibitions?

9. What have been some of the most significant challenges in your artistic journey, and how have those challenges helped you grow as an artist?

10. With such an extensive career, where do you see yourself heading next in your work? Are there new materials or themes you're eager to explore, and what excites you about the future of Indigenous arts?

11. As an artist from the Tlingit community, how do you see your role within the larger narrative of Native American and Indigenous art, particularly in the contemporary art world? How do you navigate this space, and what challenges or opportunities do you encounter?

12. If you had any advice for the up and coming artists, what would you have to say?