Meet Julia Deng Hanzu

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Julia Deng Hanzu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?

Life moves in waves — sometimes steady, sometimes unpredictable. Even when everything seems to flow smoothly, I’ve learned that self-care gives me strength and clarity to stay grounded. And during low or uncertain periods, when it’s easy to spiral into inward self-doubt or outward-reaching for validation, self-care becomes the quiet force that brings me back to myself.

Healing — from personal to collective — has always been an ongoing theme of my creative work, so self-care isn’t just something I do outside of my art; it’s part of the same current that feeds it. My creative process often starts from stillness — from listening inward — and that requires space, softness, and time.

I take long walks, meditate, sit under the sun, or listen to music. But most importantly, I give myself permission to step away from what I’m “supposed” to be doing. Sometimes that means declining social invitations, going skateboarding the day before an important exam, or taking an unexpected break — even during a so-called “career high.” I’ve realized that our sense of urgency is easily biased. When I zoom out, those things that once felt so critical — deadlines, meetings, missed opportunities — rarely deserve the weight I gave them.

At times, this kind of pause might look like avoidance — like delaying progress. But I think of life as a labyrinth: when you’re inside, it’s almost impossible to know which turn is right or wrong. Charging ahead blindly can be admirable and sometimes necessary, but if I can step back and see the maze from above, I feel calmer and more grounded. For me, stepping away from the “expected rhythm” of life offers that aerial view. It may slow my pace, but it helps me spot potential pitfalls — or maybe not — yet either way, when I return to my path, I move forward with more presence, more energy, and a deeper sense of connection — both to myself and to the world I’m making art about.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Julia Dèng Hànzú, and I’m a multimedia artist, experimental musician, and sound therapist originally from Chongqing, China, now based in New York after several transformative years in London. A big part of my work weaves together traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng, pipa, and ruan with experimental soundscapes, blending Eastern and Western influences to create immersive experiences that explore healing, identity, and cultural connection. Whether through performances, installations, sonic pieces, or therapeutic workshops, I aim to bridge personal and collective narratives, inviting audiences to reflect and feel deeply.

What excites me most is the power of sound to transcend boundaries and foster emotional resonance. My practice is rooted in the belief that music and art can serve as tools for connection, drawing from my experiences curating cross-cultural exhibitions and performances, such as the Contemperament Music Festival (2024), Great Sounds Seek Silence sonic and visual art exhibition(2023). I’m particularly passionate about my ongoing exploration of sound therapy, where I combine traditional instruments with modern techniques to create spaces for mindfulness and emotional release.

Currently, I’m embarking on expanding my work in New York’s vibrant art scene, collaborating with local artists and organizations to develop new projects. This fall, I’m launching a series of workshops that integrate sound walk and sound therapy, aimed at fostering community healing. I’m also traveling back to London for a solo concert in December. My goal is to continue creating art that not only tells my story but also invites others to connect with their own.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Curiosity, adaptability, and a sense of initiative.

Curiosity is the spark — it keeps me asking questions and seeing the world with a sense of wonder, even in the most ordinary moments. Adaptability allows me to stay fluid in uncertain times, to shift directions without losing the thread of who I am. And initiative — the willingness to learn on my own, to seek out resources, and to connect with others — has been the quiet force that turns imagination into reality.

For those at the beginning of their path, I’d say: start small. Building the courage to step outside your comfort zone doesn’t always have to happen through grand gestures or career moves. It can begin in everyday life — trying a new recipe, brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand, or exploring a neighborhood you’ve never been to. Think of it as a form of play. These small acts of curiosity and openness gradually expand your capacity to embrace change and uncertainty — which, in the long run, are the very things that keep your creativity alive.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, absolutely — I’m always open to new collaborations and creative exchanges.

I really enjoy meeting people who share a curiosity for sound, emotion, and cross-cultural dialogue — individuals who see art as a way to connect, question, and heal. I’m open to working on experimental and contemporary music projects, live performances, sound design for film or theater, and interactive installations. I also love sharing my practice through workshops that explore traditional Chinese instruments or sound therapy.

If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to connect. You can reach out to me directly on Instagram at @starsineye.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dhzjulia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starsineye/
• Other: https://rainrainrainbow.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits

Jiawen Wei, Rufeng Tang, Janmejay Singh