I'm a visual artist, but my background is in jewellery design so I feel more comfortable with the title 'designer'. I create gouache paintings and limited-edition prints which I sell through local shops, galleries, online and at design markets.
Why do you do it?
I have always loved art and design since I was in school. I love creating positive, joyous artworks that make people feel happy and inspired. I can choose my own schedule to work which suits me, as I am a night owl and can work evenings and have flexibility to be able to pick up our children from school.
What do you love about the city you live in?
I live in Adelaide and I love that it is relatively small and still easy to drive around. It's close to the beaches and hills and there is a thriving community of wonderful creatives who live here.
Where did you go for your last holiday?
I went to Japan. My husband is Japanese so we stayed with family and took a road trip which always involves stopping off somewhere to try the local cuisine.
What's your favourite item of clothing? Why?
Probably anything I have bought in Japan because it reminds me of the time I have spent there. Japanese designers are masters of simplicity and attention to detail all at the same time.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid? (If you've got kids, what's your favourite show to watch with them?)
I was a child of the '70s, so there was a fair amount of 'Brady Bunch' watching and I remember loving a show called 'H.R. Pufnstuf'. I am the youngest of four kids, so I doubt I got much say in what TV shows I watched. Now, I like to watch 'The Octonauts' with my kids and 'Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom'.
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If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
I think I might visit the 1920s in the height of Art Deco architecture, jewellery and fashion. Or maybe a little earlier to meet with Impressionists or Post-Impressionists.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
My first thought was: 'Do I have to cook? Can't we eat out?' I am not a huge fan of cooking. I might be able to manage a veggie lasagne and some roasted potatoes with garlic and rosemary.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned?
That there is always something new to learn and that even people you view as highly successful, have their moments of self-doubt. You have to keep pushing beyond your comfort zone. Always be grateful for what you have.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows...
I sometimes see amazing things in my dreams; things that I have never seen in reality.
Are you happy with your work/ life balance?
There is room for improvement, but I am happy that I get to choose how I spend my time.
How do you define success?
Being able to make a living from doing what you love. What's your spirit animal? I think it would be a tortoise. I like to take my time and I am more a 'slow and steady wins the race' kind of person. Or maybe a cat as I always find myself in front of the heater in winter.
Claire Ishino wll be among the stack of stall holders at this weekend's Bowerbird Design Markets, which takes place at the Adelaide Showground 25-27 November
