Lesley Whitham was born in Glasgow, and migrated to Australia in 1991. She is now a WA local, where she works from her studio in the garden. Her hand built and painted ceramic sculptures reflect her experiences and how she processes the world around her, filling her mind with inspiration and fanciful images.

"Ideas for sculptures arrive at the most unexpected times - as I wake in the mornings, when I'm cooking a meal or doing the laundry. My sketchbook is often no more than a handy scrap of paper and sketches can be mere shorthand scribbles, recording an idea before it vanishes." - Lesley Whitham

Q & A:

Who is the artists who inspires you most? So many, past and present, but one of my favourite sculptors is Henri Laurens. I was mesmerised by 'Le Grand Adieu' in the Centre Pompidou when I was a student. It's still one of my favourites. I love Brueghel too and got so excited to be so close to one of his paintings in Florence, I set the warning alarm off! That is the actual photo close up that got me in trouble!

What is the most sentimental thing you have? My mums silver locket. Dad bought it for her in an antique shop in Paisley. I wear it most of the time when I'm out.

If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? I always dreamt of being Samantha from 'Bewitched'! One of my favourite TV shows growing up.

Where was your most memorable vacation? A big family holiday last year to Scotland, catching up with friends and family, revisiting Duncan of Jordanstone (my old college). Then on to Italy and Greece for even more culture, beautiful scenery and fun family time.

What is your favourite song, band or musical genre? I have a varied musical taste - soft rock, country, solo artists...but every so often I love to play 'Barcelona' - Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe - in my studio. It lifts my mood!

What was your favourite toy as a kid? Woofles, he was a dog my grandma knitted for me as a baby. He had one leg shorter than the others because she ran out of wool, but he went everywhere with me. Sadly he disintegrated after the move to Australia, so I no longer have him.

What is your favourite quote? "It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation" - Herman Melville

What would be your favourite smell? Any at all would do! I have never had a sense of smell!

What would be your greatest accomplishment? Definitely my two beautiful daughters! The photo shows my girls. They made us a calendar last year and for 'May' (Mother's Day and my birthday), they both dressed up as me! Oh, and they both have their eyes closed because that's usually me in the photo!! So funny. They are both very creative.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Clarkston on the outskirts of Glasgow with my sister. My best friend lived across the road and we would spend many days exploring the surrounding countryside and also at Flenders farm sliding down hay bales and feeding calves. Our house (in the photo) had a lovely big back garden with Hedgehogs living in the hedge at the bottom.

What is the worst outfit you ever wore? Definitely a pale blue Polyester jacket and skirt I made at school when I was 13!