Haiga Showcase: Gavin Austin
I am always on the lookout for an image. Wandering through my day-to-day life, I often am stopped in my tracks by a shot waiting to be taken. In my pocket, my phone is readily at hand to capture such special moments. I approach haiku in a comparable manner, scribbling thoughts, images, and sensations into a small notebook.
Experimenting now with haiga, I enjoy the challenge of learning the dance of verse with artistic impression to tell a greater story. Enjoying all forms of building a vision, I might use hand-torn pictures to create a simple collage, or the dramatic and ambient effects of using editing apps on my photographs. I endeavour to bring texture, atmosphere, and immediacy to my work, translated through one layered voice of words and image.
—Gavin Austin
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Commentary
By Ron C. Moss, Haiga Editor
The composition of winter branches immediately conveys a feeling of cold The twisty branches echo the patterns found in a dragonfly’s wings, .creating a nice association between art and haiku.
daydreaming features a clever collage of photographic elements. The ripped patterns effectively creat a “dreamlike” state, and the natural colors add warmth. Clouds and daydreaming go very well together, allowing us to float along.
The exploding colour in shafts of light entices us to go further into the darkness, toward the joy and comfort that old friendships bring. I like how the image takes on a leadlight look, reminding us of a place of serenity and contemplation.
In after the wave we see a beachcomber staring into the distance toward a wild surf. The large volcanic rock anchors him (and us), both revealing itself and hiding so much. A nicely balanced composition in which the “hidden things” are waiting to be found.
About the Artist
Gavin Austin lives in Sydney, Australia. An artist and poet, he also enjoys dabbling in photography. His work has been recognized in competitions and has been published in many Australian and international anthologies and journals.
A fabulous collection Gavin, congratulations
Thanks so much, Marilyn.
Much appreciated.
Gavin