Letter From the Editor: Beauty Matters

English naturalist John Ray once said, “Beauty is power.” It comforts the soul and brings us sanity, grace, and hope. In this issue we invite you to join us on a journey of seeking beauty as we embark on a new year.

Beauty begins in our hearts, as artist Colin Fraser shows us by reviving an ancient painting technique. Fraser doesn’t just paint—he captures rich moments of life imbued with sorrow, joy, and a kaleidoscope of deeply personal experiences. The nearly forgotten medium of egg tempera took Fraser over a decade to grasp, but through the process his artistry became more refined and his life more illuminated.

Beauty is eternal, a concept embodied in the jewellery of Taiwanese artist Aka Chen whose internationally renowned works remind us of the lost aesthetic glory of China’s Tang and Song Dynasties. His own practices of traditional wisdom and art, such as Buddhism and Ikebana, instill an ethereal beauty into his work.

Beauty fills us with positive energy. Suzanne Rogers, the Canadian philanthropist and “fairy godmother of fashion,” believes that dressing well brings self-respect. She gracefully combines her passion for fashion and giving by supporting local charities. Through this symbiosis of her outer and inner worlds—how she dresses and acts—Rogers’s efforts bring beauty and joy into the world.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We can find it in the dishes crafted by Michelin-star chef Ryusuke Nakagawa, who combines traditional Japanese kaiseki with fresh local ingredients, and in the iridescent creations of Korean artist Jian Yoo, who breathes new life into traditional uses of mother-of-pearl. We also find it in the classical-styled architecture, limestone façades, and detailed mouldings of Frank Mazzotta’s Toronto developments, and in the lush pastoral hills of Tuscany, where Fendi has just built its new factory.

The culmination of this journey through beauty brings us to the unmissable performances of Shen Yun. The highly acclaimed classical Chinese dance company brings a sense of heavenly beauty to every aspect of its productions. From water-like flowing movements to exhilarating tales of legendary heroes, from a unique live orchestra infused with Eastern melodies to awe-inspiring vistas, Shen Yun creates unforgettable experiences that fill the new year with beauty and hope.

Plato once said, “The contemplation of beauty causes the soul to grow wings.” As we take flight together on this journey, we wish you a happy and beautiful new year!