Interview Summary – Robyn Catchlove talks with Linda Kemp

Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM

Robyn Catchlove welcomed ceramic artist Linda Kemp into the studio to discuss the upcoming Empty Bowls fundraising event, celebrating creativity, generosity and community spirit.

Linda explained how discovering ceramics transformed her own life and reflected on the way art allows everyone to express themselves in different ways. She believes creativity belongs to everyone, whether it is shared publicly or expressed quietly.

The conversation then turned to Empty Bowls, an international movement that began in Michigan, USA, in 1990 as a small student food-drive project. Over the past three decades it has grown into a worldwide initiative that raises millions of dollars to combat hunger. The Blue Mountains event is now in its third year, with each year attracting more ceramic artists, sponsors and community support.

Linda explained that local and interstate potters have donated hundreds of unique handmade bowls. Every person attending purchases a ticket, selects a bowl to keep forever, and then enjoys homemade soup served in that bowl, together with a bread roll. The bowl becomes a lasting reminder of helping people experiencing hardship.

Funds raised support Junction 142, which provides emergency food, hampers, laundry facilities, clothing, hot meals and other practical assistance to vulnerable people throughout the Blue Mountains. Linda highlighted that many people seeking help are not homeless but are simply struggling with the rising cost of living.

Beyond the meal, visitors can enjoy live acoustic music, extensive raffles and a major online auction featuring donated artworks, accommodation packages, dining experiences and tourism experiences. A highlight is a ceramic artwork by internationally acclaimed Japanese-born ceramic artist Mitsu Shoji, valued at approximately $3,600, alongside many other valuable auction items donated by local businesses and artists.

Linda encouraged everyone to attend if possible, purchase raffle tickets, participate in the auction or simply make a donation if they cannot attend. She noted that the previous two events have raised approximately $30,000, and organisers hope to double that total to $60,000 through this year's event.

Robyn concluded by thanking Linda, the organising committee, volunteers, potters, sponsors and the wider community for creating an event that celebrates compassion, generosity and the power of coming together to support neighbours in need.

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Empty Bowls 2026 – Event Details

Date

• Friday 25 July 2026

Time

• Approximately 11:30 am – 5:00 pm

Three Meal Sessions

• 11:30 am arrival for a 12:00 pm lunch
• 1:00 pm session
• 2:30 pm session

Venue

• Junction 142
  142 Katoomba St, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia

Ticket Price

• $45 per person

Ticket Includes

• One handcrafted ceramic bowl to keep
• Homemade soup
• Fresh bread roll
• Live acoustic entertainment
• Opportunity to purchase raffle tickets
• Access to the online charity auction

Beneficiary

• Junction 142
• Supporting emergency food relief, hampers, laundry facilities, clothing assistance and community support services.

Online Auction

• Opens 10 July 2026
• Features artworks, ceramics, accommodation packages, dining experiences, tours and many donated prizes.
• Includes a major ceramic work by Mitsu Shoji valued at approximately $3,600.

How to Participate

• Purchase an event ticket.
• Bid in the online auction.
• Buy raffle tickets on the day.
• Donate directly if unable to attend.

Information

• Blue Mountains Clay Collective
• Empty Bowls Facebook Event
• Humanitix ticketing page

In this episode of Talking ArtZ on Radio Blue Mountains, interviewer Brad Diedrich (The Professor) sits down with Linda Kemp, President of the Blue Mountains Clay Collective, for an in-depth conversation about a dynamic period of activity for ceramic artists across the region.

Broadcast during April’s “Clay Month,” the discussion begins with reflections on the highly successful opening of the Hands on Clay exhibition at Gang Gang Gallery. Despite travel disruptions, the strong turnout underscored the growing enthusiasm for ceramics in the Blue Mountains and beyond. From there, the conversation turns to the much-anticipated Blue Mountains Pottery Fair, now in its seventh year and in its second year under the stewardship of the Clay Collective. Linda shares how the event continues to go from strength to strength, with a record number of applications from ceramicists and a carefully curated selection of exhibitors representing both local and visiting artists.

A key theme of the interview is the remarkable diversity of work presented at the fair. From finely crafted domestic ware to ambitious sculptural and figurative pieces, the event offers something for every taste and budget. Linda highlights the generosity and skill of participating artists, many of whom also contribute to the Collective through workshops—sharing techniques, knowledge, and creative approaches with fellow members. These learning opportunities are described as invaluable, particularly for those developing more complex ceramic forms.

The conversation also offers a personal insight into Linda’s own creative practice. Known for her distinctive hand-built “pod” forms, she describes a process deeply inspired by the natural environment of the Blue Mountains. Using locally gathered grasses, seed heads, and plant materials, Linda creates delicate surface impressions that are later fired, leaving organic traces embedded in the clay. Her use of oxides, layered glazes, and natural fibres further enhances the connection between her work and the landscape, resulting in pieces that feel both elemental and contemporary. She also speaks about transforming some of these forms into candles using her own “Blue Mountains Bush” fragrance, reflecting a holistic and sensory approach to her craft.

Looking ahead, the interview touches on exciting future initiatives for the Collective, including a forthcoming members’ exhibition at Gang Gang Gallery and the possibility of a concurrent market event designed to support emerging ceramicists. These plans reflect the Collective’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, professional development, and community engagement.

Warm, informative, and wide-ranging, this conversation offers a compelling snapshot of a thriving creative community—one grounded in collaboration, generosity, and a shared passion for working with clay.