FEATURE


The fact that each painting seems to do so much more than portray a view is probably because her move to the wilds of the Island is comparatively recent. Originally born in Bristol to an artist mother and a design-lecturer father, Celia moved to Belfast when she was eight, an environment which she says doubtless had some affect on her later work. “In spite of the Troubles it was a fantastic


place to live – at least from a child’s point of view. Yes there were regular bombings near the College where my father worked and mum found it really hard. But I wouldn’t have changed anything, I loved it.”


She thinks the Irish character influenced her, particularly the sense of humour. She has an endearing tendency to laugh at herself, even while seriously


examining the way she works. “My work is very dependent on the state of mind. I listen to Radio 4 constantly and my mood can be affected by what I hear – be it news or politics. At 11 in the morning you get a comedy on, and generally then the paintings lighten!”


When she was 18 she went to Brighton Art College, but was frustrated because it was


mainly theory and art history. “I just wanted to draw.” Then in 1985 she was accepted into the Central Arts School, doing her degree at St Martins. Three children followed, and it wasn’t until 1997 that she began painting full time. She has been ever since.


“I always said I’d stay at home with the children and I was lucky I was able to do it. But as the


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