• 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. I much prefer the brevity and simplicity of the Japanese style. I feel they have much to teach us, from the subtle, non-judgmental haiku, wit of senryu, heartfelt emotion of the tanka, to the collaborative aspects of renga poetry. Many of these short poems have a greater depth than first perceived. Ancient Japanese poems, speak intimately and effortlessly to us across space, time and language barriers. After reading these, other types of poetry seem lacking in many ways.
"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
