Celia Toler, b.1950, lives in London. Studied at Byam Shaw School of Art, 1972-76.

I was brought up on a small dairy farm in Cheshire and love all things to do with the countryside. While studying at Art School I co-founded HUMP Performance Group (1974-78) and the experimental literary and visual RAMP Magazine (1978-81). In 1998 I worked with my father on a book about his impressions of WWII which led to an interest in conflict. I make short films of performances, often with myself as protagonist, that are metaphors for human emotions. I also paint and make drawings that use narrative and colour to express and develop ideas. Artists who have influenced me are Lubaina Hamid, Cornelia Parker and Peter Doig.