Ji Hyang Ryu is a self-taught visual artist from Busan, South Korea, who currently resides in Riverview, NB, and is a full-time artist. She recently created a watercolour painting of cute animals living on the East Coast of Canada, which was inspired by her concern about the impact of climate change on our planet. Through her art, Ji aims to raise awareness and inspire action towards preserving and protecting our natural resources.
According to Ji, «I believe art has the power to touch people’s hearts and minds, to spark emotions and reflection, and to incite positive change. Each stroke of my brush is a tribute to the magnificence of creation and a call to action for the sake of future generations.»
Ji finds inspiration in people and stories she sees in the news or hears about in her everyday life. She uses her work to spread positivity and hope, and to inspire others to see the beauty and potential in the world around them. Whether through the use of color, texture, or symbolism, she strives to create pieces that not only capture the eye but also touch the heart and mind.
Ji considers her decision to pursue a career as a full-time artist to be her greatest achievement. Making this transition was daunting, especially without a formal art degree, but she was determined to pursue her passion and create a life that felt fulfilling. Receiving a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts and ArtsNB was a pivotal moment. It allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a professional artist and provided crucial financial support during this transition.
Ji’s motto is to show up every day, no matter what. Whether she’s feeling inspired or not, she knows that committing to her craft daily is the key to improving her skills and achieving her goals. She finds joy in the small things in life, like a cup of tea or a walk in nature, and prefers to focus on things that matter most to her, like her art and her relationships with others, rather than getting caught up in the consumerist culture that often dominates modern society.