I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know John and his partner Kristy Lovich these last few years. Conversations over drinks, tamales, smoking outside in the cold or just holding it down on the street corner. Conversations about Xicano Hipsters, art and our favorite paletas and anything else that will come up. The conversations I enjoyed the most and took to heart are those of Johns experiences growing up in the Estrada courts, growing as an artist on and off the streets, being tossed aside by folks who said he was never brown enough to hang out with them and his experiences doing work as a graff writer back in the day. What makes John stand out a little more than everyone else who grew up in Boyle Heights and East L.A. to me is that he’s able to articulate himself with his art and poetry. Luna is a self taught artist, but from looking at his art, you wouldn’t know it. His work speaks for itself, which is why you can’t miss his upcoming solo show at Eastside Luv Jan. 8 from 5 – 8 p.m. As the flyer says, music, words and good vibes are to be found as Luna’s works brighten up the walls of Eastside Luv. Or course Luna will be there to share some words and conversations what I’m sure will help influence his as just as life in East L.A. has.