Person to Person: Living my dreams creating children's books

Tell us about yourself;

Hello, my name is Celina Buckley and I’m an artist, author, illustrator, teacher - and storyteller. I also help adults and children create picture books and discover their own unique visual language and stories.

I’ve had some wonderful experiences doing this at Electric Picnic, Kaleidoscope, and Bookville Festival, as well as with libraries and schools across Ireland, the UK, and Europe.

Where were you born?

I’m a born and raised Cork girl. I’m a Leo and one of the best traits of a Leo is their natural talent for inspiring creativity in others.

Where do you live?

Happily living in Co. Cork, surrounded by most of my family and friends. I did spend a couple of years overseas in 2015 when I moved to Cambridge, UK, to pursue a Master’s in Children’s Book Illustration.

Family?

Family is incredibly important to me, I love and am inspired by them all of the time. 

They encourage me and push me to live my dreams and create children’s books. I’m lucky to have that.

Best friend?

It would be impossible for me to name just one. I have a number of key friends, from my school and college days to work colleagues to friends in the artistic community.

One of the best decisions I made this year was joining Network Ireland, where I’ve connected with a diverse and inspiring mix of new friends across all ages.

Earliest childhood memory?

Reading story books. Before going to sleep, Mam would read us stories about heroes, myths and magic that infused my imagination and dreams. She would read us stories about the classic fairy tales, Peter Rabbit, The Fairy Circus by Dorothy P. Lathrop and many of the famous Irish legends.

I remember as a young child not being able to read the Irish legends as they had too many words for the age that I was, and this is one of the reasons why my first book is a picture book version of The Salmon Of Knowledge so that younger children could read it.

Person you most admire?

Eoin Colfer is one person in the literary world that stands out for me. He started out as a primary school teacher and went on to write lots of wonderful books, including the internationally bestselling Artemis Fowl.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France. In secondary school, my sisters and I entered a ‘Fit for Life’ competition individually. We ended up winning the prize together as a team and received a voucher for a skiing holiday. 

We travelled to Chamonix with our entire family for our first ever skiing trip. I remember laughing so much as we all struggled to stay on our feet those first few days we learned to ski.

Your signature dish if cooking?

A roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings shared with all of the family, any time of the year. For dessert is Eton Mess, with homemade lemon curd at the bottom of the glass. I learned how to perfect this dish during a summer internship in 2011 at the Cill Rialaig Arts Centre in County Kerry.

Favourite restaurant?

Any of the Market Lane restaurants in Cork city, and especially The Castle Café in Blackrock. It’s a great place to meet up with friends and you’re guaranteed excellent quality everything!

Last book you read?

Make Brilliant Work - by Rod Judkins. I read this book a month ago when I was having a creative block. It has given me lots of ideas of what to do when I’m feeling stuck in my creative work.

“Clear mental chaos. Whatever’s preoccupying your mind that stops you from achieving flow, resolve it. Decide what task you’re going to do today - then do it, no matter what. The average person spends almost 30 hours a week watching TV. Imagine if they spent that time making or creating something.”

Best book you read?

Where to start? There are SO MANY!!! For children’s books, I adore the wonderful The Marvellous Fluffy Squishy Itty Bitty by Beatrice Alemagna! I love how the fluorescent colour pops, all of the thoughtful tiny details in her illustrations, and each and every one of her uniquely mesmerising characters. This book reinforces my belief in how important it is to keep a sketchbook close by at all times to jot down observations and drawings from daily life - they may make a brilliant and important story some day. I once had the opportunity to work as a volunteer with Beatrice Alemagna for her workshops at the South Kensington Book Festival in London. She is one of my all time picture book heroes.

Liz Nugent is my favourite Irish novelist. I cannot put one of her books down once I begin reading it. Her writing inspires me to be fearless and not follow what’s ‘trending’ when creating my own picture books.

Favourite song?

I was lucky to give illustration workshops to concert-goers at Electric Picnic this year. The Villagers took to the stage under the luminous moon, their song A Trick Of The Light was magical. There’s something about the theme of light in my life (the sun, the stars, and the moon) that inspires me with hope and creativity. Folklore in West Cork, says work undertaken when the moon is growing will be successful, and that a child born when there is a new moon is thought to have good prospects.

Morning person or night owl?

I love the mornings when the light is best. There’s nothing nicer than beginning my day creating art just as the sun begins to rise and the moon fades away.

Your proudest moment?

I was thrilled and humbled when RTÉ asked me if they could use my first book The Salmon Of Knowledge to be part of a storyboarding lesson on a TV programme in 2020.

Spendthrift or saver?

Like most people, I’m a saver. Sustainable principles are at the heart of what I do when it comes to the materials I use and how to make the best use of my time. 

Most recently, I was inspired at K-FEST when I met a sustainable practitioner who gave me lots of new ideas on how to incorporate eco-friendly sustainable practices into my life and work as a creative.

What makes you happy?

Creating picture books and art, being surrounded by nature, listening to stories from other people, spending time with family and friends, helping others, exercise, good music, and great food.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a person who brings joy and happiness to others. Being an expert in helping others create children’s books. Ideally, as an internationally best-selling, multi-award winning author and illustrator.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I am busy, I’ve recently launched a ‘Start Writing And Illustrating Picture Books’ course for adults of all abilities. Everyone has a book in them! The next series starts on November 6. for six weeks, and is limited to just 15 participants.

I’m also in the middle of creating my next children’s book which I am very excited about!

See www.celinabuckley.com for more