Meet Juri Rhyu

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Juri Rhyu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Juri, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I wouldn’t say I’ve completely overcome imposter syndrome, but I’ve found a way to live with it—and even use it to my advantage. Instead of letting it hold me back, I’ve made peace with it. While it still makes me question my accomplishments, it also motivates me to push myself further and reminds me to stay grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.

When I sell my work, receive appreciation, or get chances to showcase my art, I often think, *Am I really good enough?* But instead of dwelling on that question, I’ve learned to focus on the fact that I’ve been lucky enough to get these chances. I might not always feel “good enough,” but I remind myself how fortunate I am to be able to share my work—and that’s enough.

One thing that has helped me is letting go of the things I can’t control, like how others perceive my work. Even if I baked the “perfect” cookie, someone might not like it—and that’s okay. There’s no such thing as perfect. Accepting that has helped me quiet my inner critic and focus on the joy of creating and sharing. It’s still a work in progress, but I’ve learned to make space for imperfection and focus on what I “can” control.

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?

I’m an artist and educator based in Boston, MA, and my work explores the emotional complexities of the human experience. Through my art, I aim to capture feelings we all share—love, vulnerability, joy, and even pain—offering comfort to those who encounter it. I often focus on hands as a recurring motif, painting them with a cartoonish, four-fingered form. To me, hands represent connection, care, and emotion in their simplest most universal form.

What’s most exciting about what I do is the opportunity to create something that resonates deeply with others. I want people to feel love and care when they interact with my art. My message is simple: life is short, and I hope it can be filled with love. Art has this incredible ability to comfort, to remind us that we’re not alone in what we’re feeling, and that’s at the heart of everything I create.

Currently, I’m embracing a new chapter in life as I prepare to welcome a baby into the world. It’s a deeply personal and transformative experience that I’m sure will inspire my work in unexpected ways. As for upcoming projects, I’m exploring ways to expand how my art reaches people, whether through new exhibitions or collaborations.

To anyone who encounters my work, I want to say thank you. Your support means the world to me. My art is for you, and I hope it brings a sense of comfort and connection to your life.

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?

Looking back the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that had the greatest impact on my journey are:
Persistence and Patience
In any creative field, there are moments when things take longer than expected or unexpected challenges arise. I’ve learned how important it is to keep going, even during those tough moments. Especially when my work doesn’t turn out as perfect as I hoped, or when the results aren’t satisfying, I’ve come to trust that the process itself helps me grow.

Self-Expression
My work became more impactful when it became a tool to tell my personal stories, rather than just aiming to create something visually appealing. Knowing what message I want to convey has been a powerful force behind my art.

Connecting with Others
I’ve always wanted my work to provide comfort and love to people, and staying focused on that goal has helped me build stronger connections with my audience. Listening to how others feel about my art and the stories they take away from it has made my work even more meaningful.

For those just starting out, the most important thing is not to aim for perfection. Embrace failure and trial and error as essential parts of growth, and go at your own pace. Above all, never lose the love and passion I have for art.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The Alchemist: A Novel by Paulo Coelho has played a significant role in my personal development. The story follows Santiago, a shepherd boy, as he journeys across North Africa in search of treasure he saw in a dream, only to discover that the treasure was buried under the abandoned church where he started.

The wisdom in this book profoundly impacted me in two ways:

Appreciate What You Already Have
Santiago’s journey reminds us that often, the things we value most—our “treasures”—are already close to us. However, we may not recognize their value until we’ve gained the perspective and experience to see them clearly. This taught me to reflect deeply on what I already have in my life and to be grateful for it.

Have the Courage to Explore
Even though the treasure was ultimately near where Santiago began, he needed to embark on his journey to discover it. This reflects a vital truth: growth and self-discovery often require stepping out of our comfort zones and exploring the unknown. Without his journey, Santiago wouldn’t have realized the treasure’s true worth, and I’ve taken that lesson to heart in my own life.

The book inspired me to balance gratitude for the present with the courage to embrace new opportunities and adventures, knowing that the journey itself is often just as meaningful as the destination.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jurirhyu.com
• Instagram: jurirhyu

Image Credits
first photo by Jonathan Rothermel https://www.instagram.com/jonathanrothermel/