This is Claire Robinson
Meet Claire Robinson, an artist, designer, enviro-cool hockey playing no-fly-zoner who just turned a quarter. Happy birthday Claire! We hope you enjoyed your whiskey-infused vegan birthday cake!
Where did you grow up? Why?
Dorset, England.
Personally I think tractors are pretty cool. And, if you're my folks, I suppose you think it's good to bring up your wee kiddie in a wholesome little British village.
How long have you been in Toronto?
24 cat years.
Toronto is…
…a charming, smiley slice of mixed berry pie that's bumping around in the saddle of a miniature Clydesdale.
What do you do for a living?
I sell my creativity – in pixel, canvas, and paper format.
What keeps you busy?
Playing hockey with my drinking team, hot sweaty yoga, pretending I am good at playing bass, knitting strange but useful things, writing 'To Do' lists…
What was your favourite summer job?
I volunteered at a vegan co-op (Pogo Cafe) in Hackney, London for a few weeks. No one was in charge and no one got paid. I worked with people who lived in squats with no jobs and they would come in everyday to volunteer. The vibe was amazing, as was the vegan shakes and cakes. mmmmm.
Dream job?
To open a cafe/active space: a place where ideas are triggered and realized. a little haven of art, coffee, music, love and cookies. ahhh.
What’s your passion?
The ongoing quest to live a more compassionate lifestyle: be it through art, music, diet choice…being mindful of every step.
If I say jump?
Pack it up, pack it in
Let me begin
I came to win
Battle me that's a sin…
What do you give back to the No Fly Zone?
What do I give? I dunno…a smile to people walking down the street, support to local artists, money to people selling sustainable and ethical goods (food, clothes, whatever…) I spend a lot of time in 'the zone' because I live here, but I don't stop giving when I pass customs at the Bloor border…you get me?
What can we do to make Toronto a ‘world class’ city?
Not ranking cities is a good start. Little cities, big cities, poor cities, dirty cities, shiny cities are all riding 'world class'. Last time I checked there was only one planet earth.
Are you an artist?
I'm rubbish at writing - I could answer this question better as a drawing…
How does art influence your life?
It tickles my brain. Therefore, I laugh quite a lot.
Hands or feet?
In the event of a tie I propose a shoot-out. In which case I think hands are gonna win, hands down. (yes, I went there)
Worst public moment?
Not sure i have one... I'm way too self conscious, so I am usually feeling awkward about something... but after 25 years you kind of get used to it. There's not really a 'worst' that I can recall... soz!
Two Beatles left: Ringo and Paul. Who wins in a smackdown?
I am thinking that Ringo has the superior pipes from all that drumming. Paul's getting KO'd fo' sure.
Favourite public space?
Under (or in) a tree in a park.
Who are your favorite artists?
Whew- so many. Here are 4 random ones: Alex Grey, Toothpaste For Dinner, Hayao Miyazaki and me.
Mon Chi Chi, My Little Pony, Barbie? discuss.
Mon chi chi...not sure what that is. And I don't have much to say about ponies and barbies... I was a Thomas the Tank Engine girl myself. poot poot.