I left Sicily for Cork and make amazing pizzas (so my family say!)

Tell us about yourself:

My name is Valentina, I am from Sicily and I moved to Ireland 17 years ago.

I am a costume designer and a costume maker.

I love swimming in the sea (when it’s not too cold) and I make amazing pizzas (that’s what my family says).

Where were you born?

In a beautiful city called Siracusa.

Through the window in my childhood bedroom, I could see both Mount Etna and the Mediterranean!

Where do you live?

We live in St. Luke’s, we have a beautiful garden and through our bedroom window I can see most of the city and a lighthouse very far away - can you say I have a thing for good views?

Family?

I live with my partner, my seven-year-old boy, a big Labrador called Quilan, and a small black and white cat called Doris.

Best friend?

There are many important people in my life, it is impossible to pick one.

Earliest childhood memory?

I remember the day my mum brought me to the outdoor market for the ‘Festa Patronale’ and bought me a tortoise with only three legs.

I called her Olga, she loved lettuce and we eventually released her outdoors - I can’t remember where, I am sure she is grand now.

Person you most admire?

My parents, they brought me up with love and care. Being a parent is hard, I know that now.

Person who most irritates you?

Every person who is obsessed with money and power and destroys others and the planet for profit.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Many moons ago, I went interrailing around Europe with two friends. This was way before smartphones were invented and it was such an adventure.

We ended up sleeping in a ditch one of the nights, but we were 20 so it did not matter.

Favourite TV programme?

I do not watch TV.

Favourite radio show?

I am currently listening to a podcast about art called Dialogues: The David Zwirner Podcast.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Pizza and lasagne are the most requested by my son.

Favourite restaurant?

The Glass Curtain in Cork, Mariano in Siracusa, Cuda Wianki in Przemysł.

Last book you read?

The Girl In Between, by Sarah Carroll. The story of a homeless family told through the eyes of the child, very touching and a good read for young readers as well.

Best book you read?

Probably One Hundred Years Of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I must have read it six times and it surprises me each time.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

I honestly cannot remember.

Favourite song?

Águas De Março.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Joe Strummer and the Clash.

Do you have a pet?

Yes! A dog and a cat.

Morning person or night owl?

Night owl. Even though I am getting better at getting up early.

Your proudest moment?

Every time I was asked to speak in public and I did not faint.

Spendthrift or saver?

More of a saver.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Transport is shockingly bad in Cork. I would start with that.

Then the housing crisis, but you only said to name one, so I’ll stop here.

What makes you happy?

When my son hugs me, when I watch a good movie with my partner, a good book, swimming in the ocean, my friends and my pets.

How would you like to be remembered?

Kind and funny.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I am currently working on Cork Opera House's upcoming family opera on August 24, Hänsel und Gretel.

I have worked non-stop the last seven months, so I am going on holidays. Sicily first, Poland after.