Celia Norman Smith

I was born and educated in Sussex leaving Brighton Art College with a BA Hons. Art and Design in 1979. After a year in New Zealand travelling and then working the ‘High Country’ at Mount Cook Station, I returned to the UK to re-train at Plumpton Agriculture College. I then took time off to spend six months in Northern India and Nepal delighting in all aspects of the cultures, arts and mountain walking. I will never forget the magical mountains of the Annapurnas and the folk who live in their shadows; their inner strengths, in a seemingly hostile environment, gave me a unique example for my future life on the land.  Working as the estate shepherd at Groombridge, in Kent, I met my late husband (writer, editor, and publisher) but we moved to Scotland a year later where we enjoyed over 30 years living off the land with two daughters and a menagerie of animals; I strongly believe in the organic, mixed farming methods. Writing, and drawing have always been a passionate part of my life with the natural environments heavily influencing my work. Most of the stories and illustrations in The Tales of Harry Also  (a trilogy) have happened through my time travelling as a shepherd, beekeeper, mole-catcher, or living at a Riding for Disabled centre working with the horses, the young adults and their families. I will always love wild gardening, wild swimming and being a tad wild!

More information available at www.celianormansmith.co.uk