Preston Singletary & Jody Naranjo: Behind the Scenes
1st September 2026
Preston Singletary and Jody Naranjo:
A Collaboration in Glass V
Blue Rain Gallery, Santa Fe
November 27th – December 10th, 2026
Artist Reception: Friday, November 27th from 5-7pm
www.blueraingallery.com
Jody and I are back at it! A new batch of collaborative pieces. Each time we work together it is pure joy. For me it is always fun to collaborate and learn about a different Indigenous culture, learning about the symbolism and finding new directions in color and form. This also harkens back to my roots as a glass blower making traditional forms, in this case Pueblo pots.
In the early days I worked on a team where we needed to develop the ability to render the form from a technical drawing. That’s how it all starts in my studio. We look at color combinations and execute the forms. They are then ground on the bottom so they stand straight and we cover the forms with rubber stencil and send them to New Mexico. Jody then draws on the tape and cuts the stencil out and returns them to me. My studio then sand carves through the layer of color to define the design work. I then finish coat the pieces and have them photographed, before returning them to Blue Rain Gallery.
For over 27 years we’ve been able to help connect the material of glass to our contemporary Native designs. Although glass blowing is not part of the early tradition of Native art we’ve been able to show the possibilities of what can be done. I see these collaborations as ways of extending the culture and broadening the conversation around Indigenous art. I thank Leroy Garcia and Blue Rain Gallery for having such a big part of this legacy in representing us and educating the collectors about our work.
- Preston Singletary
This year has been all about glass for me! I have been fortunate to carve and design a new batch of collaborative pieces with Preston. It has been a highlight of my art career.
Someone recently asked me what I like about working with glass. I responded, “It’s like Dorothy going from Kansas to Oz.” It’s so much fun to see Pueblo pottery come alive using color and light.
Thank you Preston and Blue Rain Gallery for giving me this opportunity. I'm excited to see this show and share it with everyone.
- Jody Naranjo
