Introduction by Ron Moss
Haiga Gallery: Sandy Pray
To be with Sandi Pray’s haiga creations is to be deeply enriched by nature. Sandi lives in the mountains of North Carolina, and her writings and art glow with the love she has for place and the myriad creatures that surround her. She makes good use of her camera, which is always at hand: the instant sketchbook quality of her images, coupled with finely crafted words of mindfulness and deep insight, is joy to behold.
All four haiga in this gallery are connected by the theme of sound and silence. Through various media effects and font choices, Sandi creates a unique visual journey of exploration and secret discoveries. The poems tantalise us but stay grounded in the best tradition of nature haiku. In the first image, the association of “the perfect word” and “dandelion seeds” is a particularly beautiful moment.
I have watched Sandi’s practice grow over the years—she is a regular contributor to online journals and various social media platforms. Her current haiga reflect her dedication to continuous practice. You can see more of her work here.
Sandi explains in her own words:
I am a wandering poet with an iPhone. Taking photos along the way, I capture moments, jotting down feelings after checking with each of my senses. Sometimes words are the spark for an image. But more often the image begets the haiku.
Rarely do I use an unedited photo or drawing. With the availability of so many photo editing and drawing apps, I love to layer textures and brushwork, making many changes to create watercolor-like moods. Embedding the haiku on the finished image is the final touch. Hopefully with these haiga I can share some of the everyday magic of nature.
Click on any image below to see a full-size image and begin the slide show.
I very much like the simplicity of “the perfect end”. and the tree shadows background in “redbird”.
Lovely work Sandy! I’m always pleased to see one of your works I relate to your style!!
Simply gorgeous! I love the subtle way your haiku complement your images!
Wonderful. Congratulations Sandi
Sandi’s work is something I look forward to with breath abated. Her superb captures, subtle treatment thereof and her words for each #haiga is always uniquely poetic. Many Congratulations to Sandi on her stellar achievement
Perfection! You are one of my favorite poets, I love the way you express your encounters with the natural world!
Congratulations Sandi, so we’ll deserved. I always look forward to your haiga posts. We are very proud of you.