the bird sings

John Lujan was born in San Tome, Venezuela and moved to the U.S. in 1995. Growing up with his North American father and Venezuelan mother, he was raised with a deep appreciation for both cultures. His father's employment required regular relocation throughout the country of Venezuela. Still vivid within John are memories of the exuberant beauty and vibrant culture of his native land. Yearly vacations to the United States provided opportunities to visit relatives in New Mexico, a place which also held special fascination for John. Travel, geography, ethnicity, and a spiritual connection to the land were ever present, with diversity in all cultures being deeply respected.

John started his formal art training at the Instituto de Diseno in Caracas, Venezuela where he studied graphic design with prestigious artists and designers such as Alirio Palacios, Edgar Sanchez, Gego, and Monica Doppert. After completing his studies, he entered a competition for illustrators where he was awarded a full time position working for Venezuela's premier children's book publisher, Ediciones Ekare. This was the beginning of a prolific career in publication design and groundbreaking editorial projects.

After many satisfying years in this field, he moved to the Venezuelan Andes where he studied traditional, native textile techniques and taught design at the Universidad de los Andes in Merida. It was during this time that John embarked on a soul searching journey where he began to explore and receive training in diverse, ancient spiritual teachings that would later influence his art.

In 1995, he moved to New York City where he attended The School of Visual Arts to further develop his talents. A year later, family ties brought John to Kansas City where he has immersed himself in his art while continuing his spiritual development.

John is an innovator, using hand printing techniques in non-traditional ways. Most recently, he has been experimenting with digital technologies, applying them to his fine art.