I have always been fascinated with the natural overlaps and intersections that occur between different forms of artistic expression, and I believe that all kinds of creative expression inform and nourish other kinds. My own writing, from poems to stories to novels to screenplays, has been (and continues to be) inspired and influenced by the ideas and feelings expressed by other artists, from painters and sculptors, to choreographers and dancers, to composers and songwriters and singers and musicians, to directors, actors, filmmakers, stage artists, and beyond. Our absorption of, and our emotional and intellectual reactions to, the creations of other people, are among the most important aspects of our collective humanity. It was a great honour and privilege to experience the diversity of artistic talent in this exhibition, and narrowing down all of the submitted poems to three finalists (and a handful of honourable mentions – I couldn’t help myself!) was extremely difficult. There were many more excellent poems than I could recognize within the context of a judged competition. Some of the aspects I took into consideration in choosing the final poems were: how the poem interacted with its paired artwork, and the style, structure, wordplay, and theme of the poem itself, but, as ultimately happens when any creative work interacts with one member of its audience, I chose poems that resonated most with me intellectually and emotionally; and, since every human being brings their own personality, experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and emotions to any work of art or piece of writing they encounter, another person may have responded to the submitted poems (and their corresponding artworks) in completely different ways. So, ultimately, what matters most is this: Absorb. Interact. Converse. Relate. Explore. See. Hear. Listen. And then, add your own vision to the mosaic. Add your own voice to the chorus. Add your own words to the story. And we will all move forward together.

On behalf of the Korean Artists Society of Canada (KASC), I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Curator Younghee Sung, Laird Art Gallery, and all participating artists on the opening of Art Meets Word 2026 and the official launch of ekphra. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery through a juried ‘’Ekphrasis exhibition" is a remarkable milestone. The beautiful interplay between visual arts and poetry offers a rich, multi-dimensional dialogue that deeply resonates with both artists and audiences. The creation of ekphra as an innovative platform to bridge these two artistic realms is truly inspiring. By fostering a collaborative space where poets and visual artists respond to each other’s creations, you are building a vibrant and lasting creative community. I wish Art Meets Word 2026 immense success and look forward to witnessing the flourishing of ekphra as a beacon of artistic connection and inspiration.

Congratulations to all the artists and poets participating in the launch of Ekphra and the "Art Meets Word" online exhibition. Thank you for your willingness to create, to share, and to express vulnerability through both art and language. This exchange between image and word has long been a cornerstone of the arts, fostering the growth of individual artists and writers while strengthening creative communities and enriching society as a whole. At a time marked by division and uncertainty, creative expression offers space for reflection, connection, and understanding. When artists and writers come together in dialogue, both the arts and the wider world are made richer. Congratulations on this inaugural Ekphra exhibition, the first, I hope, of many.

Art is visual storytelling; language is the catalyst for art. Thank you to each artist who created this amazing interplay between two distinct mediums. Congratulations to the curators of Laird Art Gallery, and to each artist for creating such beautiful works of art. I am honoured to lead the coordination and installation of Art Meets Word by Laird Art Gallery at Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery. Like a wildflower sprouting from the ground, let us root our connections with one another to blossom a rare moment of beauty.