Judith Gorgone

1. How did you get started with haiku?

I became interested in haiku while I traveled and lived in Japan in the 90s. Haiku was published daily in the newspaper! After that I got online and explored it by joining online groups and journals. Early on, like many of us, I wrote in 5-7-5, but that quickly changed. I look back at many of those early pieces and feel compelled to rewrite them. As a writer I love the form and minimalism of haiku. As a calligrapher I love the integration of words with images in haiga. What keeps me writing? A moment I am compelled to capture.

2. Tell us more about yourself.

I’m from Boston, Massachusetts. Have a BA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. I started out in corporate graphics and advertising as a creative director. Eventually, I evolved into doing more illustration and design in consumer products and the toys industry. I have licensed my designs for everything from greeting cards to textiles and to companies that include the Museum of Modern Art, UNICEF, Hasbro, and Design Design. In 1998 I simultaneously launched the Planetpals characters, the Planetpals Earthzone website and blog, and the International Kids Club Peace website. My own design website is Judith Gorgone Designs. I also have a haiku-related T-shirt page at The T Garden.

3. What does NaHaiWriMo mean to you?

Since its inception, NaHaiWriMo has been a place to call home! It’s a family of some of the greatest haiku poets of our time, a place to learn and share creativity. It opened me up to the “No 5-7-5” concept and to other haiku arts such as haiga, which allowed me to combine my creative art and creative writing. The feedback and friendships have been priceless.

4. What one piece of advice would you offer to those who are new to writing haiku?

Write, write, write and don’t be afraid to share. Embrace criticism. Try new forms. Allow your style to evolve!

5. Please share three of your favourite or best haiku.

full moon—

so many vines

on the banyan tree

summer picnic

tears wash out to sea

with a toy sailboat

dreams dangling

from bare branches

plum blossoms