Preston Singletary and Åsa Sandlund

After 20 years, Preston Singletary and Åsa Sandlund have opened their personal archives and released a limited number of work they created together in the early 1990s. These works, important examples of the work that shaped their careers and personal lives, are available now exclusively through Vetri.

In 1993, Preston Singletary met Åsa Sandlund in the southern part of Sweden where the glass factories are located. Åsa, born in Sweeden, was working as a design assistant at Kosta Boda with Gunnel Sahlin. Preston was there for work, assisting Lino Tagliapietra and traveling with Dante Marioni doing glassblowing demonstrations and teaching. Early in his career, Preston was influenced by Modernist Italian styles; the Prestonuzzi Vase is an example of the work that Preston was making prior to traveling to Sweden. Over the next few weeks, Åsa and Preston connected – theirs is truly a story of love at first sight – and this period of falling in love marked the beginning of their professional and personal relationship that has grown and flourished over the years.

Upon Preston’s return to the States, their relationship deepened, beginning a period of frequent back and forth travel, until 6 months later when Preston went to live with Åsa in Sweden. During this time Åsa worked with Preston making many different series of functional glass pieces while Preston created the Genie Series, a trio of vase forms that reflected the simplicity of Scandinavian design.

In 1995 Åsa and Preston decided to get married and make their home in Seattle, WA. Over time, Preston’s skill with the material of glass and traditional form line design has strengthened and evolved. The evolution and success of his work has positioned him as a major influence on contemporary indigenous art. He continues to explore his relationship with his native culture and glass. Åsa has been working for Nordstrom as Brand Creative Director since 2003.

Today, Preston and Åsa continue to live and work in Seattle. They are active in their community through working with different local organizations, including Pilchuck Glass School, Islandwood, Museum of Glass, SAM, Artist Trust and UW School of Art + Art history + Design Advisory Board. They raised two children Orlo and Lydia who are currently entering college.