Editor’s Note
At this time, it’s probably appropriate to mention the passing to two prominent members of the Asian Canadian community: David Y.H. Lui and Milton Wong. Lui, a former board member of The Canada Council for the Arts, founder of Ballet BC, and one of the most dedicated impresarios this country has ever produced, passed away last September 2011. Wong, noted arts philanthropist and businessman (who was profiled in Issue 15.1 of Ricepaper), passed away early this year. In addition to their many accomplishments in their respective fields of endeavour, both of these leaders worked together to bring The Vancouver International Dragon Boat Festival to fruition, giving us a signature event that combines a healthy competitive spirit with multicultural values and world-class performances. If there is any small consolation to this great double loss, it would be that both men left such a lasting legacy.
Perhaps we can usher in 2012, the official Year of the Dragon, knowing that we can learn from people with such integrity and pride in Asian Canadian Art and Culture. The twinned themes of “Philosophy & Poetry” in Issue 16.4 offer us an opportunity to showcase some of the most active contemporary poets living in Canada today. Perhaps poets are the deepest of all thinkers, not least because they bring life to a certain stillness or abstraction. By provoking our senses and imagination through carefully chosen language, poetry can challenge our personal philosophies and encourage us to think and see in new ways.
In this issue, you will also find our usual mixture of engaging profiles, fiction, and articles covering a variety of literary topics and genres. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the work of outgoing team members Patricia Lim and Melissa Guzman, both of whom have dedicated many years to Ricepaper magazine. We are definitely better as a result of their efforts and energizing contributions. Also, please welcome Kristin Cheung aboard as new Managing Editor.
Most of all, we would like to thank you for your continued readership. Your interest, curiosity and support of this magazine is greatly appreciated.
Kung Hei Fat Choy!
Best regards,
Eury Chang
Editor, Ricepaper magazine