In February we led two workshops introducing and exploring Haiga 俳画 a harmony of Japanese painting, and haiku poetry brushed in calligraphy. These events were held in the Glasgow area of Scotland, and were kindly sponsored by The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, allowing participants to experience the traditional methods and ideas that inform Haiga. The workshops took place in Charing Cross (Kagyu Samye Dzong Tibetan Buddhist Centre) as well as Maryhill Hub (with North United Communities) for adults and also young people from the communities.
Artist and calligrapher Blair led the events with the help of a fabulous team and including a special contribution by haiku poet Dr Kenneth Mullen. Firstly, Blair introduced the haiga practice which is little known in the United Kingdom, with examples of pictorial styles, brushwork and calligraphic techniques along with a brief history of haiga.
He also talked about his experience visiting esteemed teachers in Japan in December 2024 to January 2025, investigating the traditional relationship between inscribed text with painted image in Zen and Japanese culture, and the combination of poetry brushed in kana calligraphy and other styles with suibokuga (also known as sumi-e) painting. Kenneth helpfully illuminated the understanding of haiku for participants, unravelling the structure, techniques and meanings of Basho’s classic poem of the crow on the withered branch, which participants worked from.
The workshops helped people connect with their environment through the brushwork and poetic themes of haiga, discover the differences between brushwork in Japanese suibokuga painting and Japanese kana calligraphy, and through these approaches develop appreciation of the environment and landscape painting from a uniquely Japanese perspective. The meditative and immersive way of working helped participants relax and enjoy the process.
There was a great sense of achievement and surprise as participants became more confident with the way of working and completed their pieces. There ended up some very different types of inky crows perching on branches, from cheeky and cute to wise and serene! The younger group were also confident to try out some bold brushwork, particularly of the plum blossoms, as well as birds and animals and their own experimental haiga too!
Thanks so much to everyone who took part as well as those who supported the events and helped out. Deepest thanks to The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation for making the events possible and supporting the project.
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