Stained glass, an art form synonymous with sacred spaces, receives an unconventional twist inside Glass Visions Studio in Los Angeles. Under the creative vision of Ben Tuna, the tradition blends with automotive relics, creating a vivid juxtaposition between ancient ecclesiastical art and modern vehicular ruin.
A legacy reimagined: the journey of Glass Cowboy
In 2021, Ben Tuna assumed control of the family business, a stained-glass studio established by Mark Tuna in 1979. Immersed in the Glass Cowboy project, Tuna explores beyond conventional glasswork, merging restoration skills with innovative artistry. His standout piece, “Resurrection,” transforms a rusted Porsche 911 Carrera into a vivid sculpture, integrating cathedral-like stained glass within its skeletal frame.
Resurrection: transforming decay into art
“Resurrection” (2025) features a derelict Porsche 911 Carrera, stripped to its rusted essence. Tuna leaves its damage exposed, framing stained glass within emptied spaces — the windshield, side windows, and rear glass. The glass mimics the intricate forms of cathedral windows, juxtaposing the elegance of glass with the deteriorated car body.
Porsches typically embody speed and precision, yet this art piece is intentionally motionless, marked by time and neglect. Tuna enriches the shell with vibrant glass, reimagining the car as an artifact, not a vehicle.
Explore a different artistic approach with Adrian Arleo’s sculptures that blend creativity with compassion, adding depth to different materials.
Salvaging beauty from catastrophe
In March 2025, Tuna began acquiring charred Porsche shells from the Los Angeles fires. His collection includes a 1965 Porsche 356, resurrected as a sculpture using stained glass salvaged from defunct churches. Tuna’s work reflects a deep engagement with the tactile and historical dimensions of his materials, translating the devastation of fire into a profound reflection on loss and renewal.
Material transformations: from stained glass to agate
Expanding beyond traditional stained glass, Tuna introduces agate in his piece “Unearthed” (2026). Thin-cut slices of the mineral from the Southwest deserts replace glass, offering banded, earth-toned surfaces reminiscent of geological history. This shift provides depth and a timeless quality to the work, contrasting the vibrant religious imagery of his glass pieces.
For a unique take on material transformation, discover Kenji Abe’s stone-like lighting sculptures crafted from aluminum can waste.
Tuna’s art extends further into Porsche doors, detached and transformed into standalone artworks. These pieces maintain the elegance of their original form, presenting a fusion of automotive design and artistic nuance.
Ben Tuna’s practice presents an evocative blend of history and innovation, crafting renewed narratives from the remnants of both churches and cars. His creations compel viewers to ponder the intersection of human craftsmanship and the relentless passage of time.
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the Glass Cowboy project about?
The Glass Cowboy project is an exploration of glasswork beyond conventional methods, merging restoration skills with innovative artistry. It involves creating sculptures from automotive relics, such as transforming a rusted Porsche 911 Carrera with stained glass.
How does Ben Tuna use stained glass in his art?
Ben Tuna uses stained glass by framing it within the skeleton of automotive relics, such as rusted Porsches, to juxtapose the elegance of the glass with the car’s deteriorated body. The glass mimics the intricate forms of cathedral windows, transforming the vehicle into a vivid sculpture.
What new material did Ben Tuna introduce in his art?
Ben Tuna introduced agate as a new material in his art, particularly in the piece “Unearthed” (2026). Thin-cut slices of the mineral from the Southwest deserts replace traditional glass, providing earth-toned surfaces reminiscent of geological history.