• 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