• Maggie West says "After I had been writing short poems for some years, I discovered haiku while studying formal western-style calligraphy. In 1992, I became a member of The British Haiku Society and was thereby introduced to other forms of Japanese poetry. Working mainly with inks and other water-based media, I have always enjoyed 'mark making'; transforming the tactile working surface using many types of brushes, pens, quills and sticks as necessary. I try to make my handwriting on the haiga as legible as possible without being formal. As I come from a 'western art' background, my work is not traditional in the Japanese sense; however, I try to be true to the spirit of haiga." For more information visit Maggie's website at www.maggieonthebeach.co.uk
