Lead Crystal Totems by Preston Singletary

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When I first began working with glass in 1982, I had no idea how deeply I would connect with the material. It wasn’t until I started incorporating Tlingit designs and stories—drawing from my lineage in the Eagle moiety, Kaagwaantaan Box House, Killer Whale clan—that my work took on a deeper sense of purpose. This artistic transformation allowed me to merge ancestral storytelling with a modern medium, giving voice to both my culture and my artistic vision.

I come from a long line of strong Tlingit women. My great-grandmother, Susie Johnson Bartlett Gubatayo, was born in Sitka, Alaska, in 1880 and later moved to Seattle, where she built a foundation for our family. My grandmother, Lillian, raised my mother, Jean, and my aunties, Andrina and Theresa, almost entirely on her own. Their influence shaped my identity and instilled in me a profound connection to my heritage—one that continues to guide my work today.

Over time, my mastery of glassblowing and Tlingit formline design has evolved, deepening my understanding of both my ancestral roots and my chosen craft. This journey has not only shaped my personal artistic expression but has also positioned me as a significant contributor to contemporary Indigenous art.

Lead Crystal Totems

The totems created by Preston Singletary are cast in lead crystal in various colors within each limited edition. The original wood models for each piece were carved by master woodcarvers including Joe David, David Svenson and David Franklin.

Each totem reflects a unique story while featuring Singletary’s distinctive Tlingit formline design. A variety of these lead crystal totems are on view at galleries that represent Singletary. See the full collection of totems by Singletary. 

Learn how the monumental totems in lead crystal are created from start to finish in this short video.