Failed Haiku - A Journal of English Senryu, Vol. 9, Number 104, November 2024

Thrilled to receive 2nd Place in the Ninth Annual Jane Reichhold Haiga Competition (mixed media category). My thanks to the judges, Mike Rehling and Kelly Sauvage Moyer!

Commentary:

Here, again, we have the image of a raven; yet, this time, its role as the harbinger of death stands at the forefront of this work by Debbie Strange. The quickening, a time when early fetal movements are typically felt during pregnancy, is not experienced in this case, indicating the possibility of miscarriage. The gravity of the loss suspected is only enhanced by the straightforward language utilized with the senryu to communicate the power of such an ethereal force. We found this to be an effective, not to mention chilling, creation on the part of the poet-artist.

(note: this is an original photo, superimposed with mono-printed feathers)

The following haiga and tanka art were also included in this issue:

 

Tinywords, Issue 24.1, May 2024

 

Note: this haiga received an Honourable Mention in the 2023 Jane Reichhold Memorial Haiga Competition)

Jane Reichhold Memorial Haiga Competition, 2023

Thrilled that the following haiga received an Honourable Mention in the traditional category from Judges Terri and Raymond French:

Judges' Commentary:

A lovely haiga, We liked the implied connection between the back-and-forth of migration and life's inevitable changes, often changing direction unexpectedly. The cranes flying in different directions, the swish in the center suggesting movement and the flowing font of the senryu all work together so well.

 

Failed Haiku - A Journal of English Senryu, Vol. 2, Issue 23, November 2017

Jane Reichhold Haiga Competition 2017


First Honorable Mention ("extremely close runner-up") - Mixed Media Category

Judge's Comments:

"Silver Linings" is subtle in concept and execution and leaves a lasting impression. Everything about this is in a resonating balance. The embossed silvery effects add elegance to "the things that startle us into flight". Another superb haiga from a modern master.

—Kris (Moon) Kondo

Prune Juice, Issue 23, November 2017

peeling paint
all the backstories
we don't know


last testament
we inherit the bulk
of her shame


hard drive the unexpected crash of his memory bank

Note:

This issue includes the results of the 2017 Jane Reichhold Haiga Competition, in which my work received First Honorable Mention ("extremely close runner-up") from Judge Kris (Moon) Kondo. Please see Failed Haiku, Issue 23, November 2017, for details.

Failed Haiku - A Journal of English Senryu, Issue 11, November 2016

The following works received Honourable Mentions in the Mixed Media Category in the 2016 Jane Reichhold Memorial Haiga Competition:

Commentary:

Immersing myself in the spinning colours emerging from darkness, the words remind me of my favorite song sung by Pete Seeger "All My Life's a Circle." I love the mysterious quality the layering has created. Don't we all go around in circles and isn't it great when we find ourselves! The font and its size goes well with the image. The placement and colour and hue of the words could be played with more to echo the movement in its words and enhance the composition more. I really like the use "words & image" in the signature, but felt the hue could be toned down to blend in with the total effect of this delightful haiga.

—Kris Kondo

Commentary:

I was instantly captured by the colors and the interplay of the different elements. Fish in the sky drew me in right away and I quickly went to the words to help me find out what this wonder world could be about, and I wasn't disappointed. Mindscapes and a longing for a family pet to love - there was much to find here and I enjoyed the journey. The composition of the elements was handled very well and the digital collage works well. I also liked the font which is a design element that can achieve a lot with a fun playful font. I really enjoyed this one.

—Ron C. Moss